Cardinal Flower
(Lobelia cardinalis)
By Ann Black and Jeff Sparks

Cardinal Flower is a perennial wildflower found throughout most of Texas. Although it is not a common roadside wildflower, Cardinal Flower can be seen blooming along waterways and in stream bottoms. Its showy red flower spikes will cause one to stop and investigate; the sight of a stand of native Cardinal Flower in bloom is unforgettable. The species name cardinalis refer to the red robes worn by cardinals of the Catholic Church. The genus name, Lobelia, was created in honor of the Belgian botanist Mathias de L'Obel. Cardinal Flower was first reported by explorers in Canada, who brought the plant back to botanists in France.

The Cardinal flower is a member of the Campanulaceae or bellflower family. The name "Cardinal Flower" and The Cardinal Flower's natural range is from New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario southward to Florida and Texas, and across the southern plains and mountain states to California. It is also available in the retail nursery trade or by mail order, and has been cultivated in Europe since its discovery in the New World.

Description: Cardinal flower begins growth in the spring as a rosette of leaves from which a stem elongates. The stem of Cardinal flower has a somewhat succulent appearance. The leaves are arranged in whorls about the stem and have toothed margins and pointed tips. In the winter they die back to a circular ring of leaves called a basal rosette. These leaves are resistant to cold and allow the plant to continue to produce and store food.

Flowers are borne initially at the top of the stem. The individual flowers grow along a 1 to 4 foot spike and are a deep red. As blooming progresses, the plant may send out additional lateral spikes that grow upward and bear more flowers. Each flower has five petals. The anthers are united into a slender tube with a white coloration at the top. Not only are the flowers the same red hue of a cardinal, their petal arrangement actually looks like a little dancing cardinal bird. The numerous 1 mm seeds are formed in a two-celled capsule, which opens at the top. Seeds ripen in the fall about seven weeks after fertilization. Bloom time: September to October.

Ethnobotany: Plants of the genus Lobelia contain piperidine alkaloids, mainly lobeline, which is a powerful respiratory stimulant. Native American tribes had many medicinal uses for Cardinal Flower. The mashed roots, stems, leaves, and blossoms were made into a decoction and drank for stomach cramps, syphilis, typhoid, respiratory ailments and parasitic worms. A poultice of the roots was applied to wounds. Lobelia cardinalis was also added to other medicines as a fortifying agent. However, medicinal uses of cardinal lower have long been discontinued because severe illness and death caused by overdoses. The entire plant is considered poisonous to humans and livestock.

Wildlife Value: Cardinal flower is a nectar plant for hummingbirds. The shape of the flowers is such that only hummingbirds can access the nectar as food, and thus they are the only pollinators for the plant. After visiting the flowers, hummingbirds carry the pollen long distances from flower to flower, and thus ensure the plant’s survival. Cardinal Flower is eaten by deer.

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