cardinalflower
Lobelia cardinalis L.
Cardinalflower’s name refers to the red robes of Roman Catholic cardinals. Flowers open upward along the spike, while basal leaf rosettes can persist through the North Carolina winter. The state wetland guide describes shoots occasionally reaching two metres. NC State Extension: Lobelia cardinalisNorth Carolina wetland guide: Lobelia cardinalis
Botanical name
Lobelia cardinalis L. is accepted by Kew in Campanulaceae, matching the catalog species. Kew POWO: Lobelia cardinalis
Recognizing the plant
The tubular flowers divide into two lips: three spreading lobes form the lower lip and two narrower lobes the upper one. Although red is characteristic, white and rose-coloured forms also occur. Alternate, pointed leaves run along the stems; their edges may be smooth or toothed. The state wetland guide notes that, on toothed leaves, smaller and larger teeth alternate. Small capsules develop after the flowers. NC State Extension: Lobelia cardinalisNorth Carolina wetland guide: Lobelia cardinalis
Bloom window
North Carolina extension account
Flowers are recorded from July through October. NC State Extension: Lobelia cardinalis
Native range
Kew records a native range from southern Canada through the United States, Mexico and Central America to northern Colombia. In North Carolina it belongs to moist places such as wet meadows, stream margins and pond edges. Kew POWO: Lobelia cardinalisNC State Extension: Lobelia cardinalis
Ecological relationships
The extension account records visits by hummingbirds and butterflies attracted to the flowers. NC State Extension: Lobelia cardinalis
Botanical sources
- Kew POWO: Lobelia cardinalis
- NC State Extension: Lobelia cardinalis
- North Carolina wetland guide: Lobelia cardinalis
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.