LIFESCI 1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Perennial Plant, The Nitro Girls, Typhoid Fever
Lobelia cardinalis
Esther (Chae Won) Park
Section 1C
Common Name:
Mexican Cardinal Flower, Scarlet lobelia, Lopelia, Red
Lobelia, Indian Tobacco, “Eyebright” (Gutierrez, 2002)
Classifcation:
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiosperm
Order: Asterales
Family: Campanulaceae
Genus: Lobelia
(Wikipedia)
Native Distribution and Habitat:
Lobelia cardinalis is native to the Americas, specifically
Missouri. It can also be found in a wide range of places, from southeastern Canada south through
the eastern and southwestern US, Mexico and Central America to northern Colombia. They are
found in wet places, stream banks, and swamps. They prefer moist soil and part shade. (Virtual
Plant Collection)
Characteristics of the species:
Lobelia cardinalis is a perennial plant that may grow from two to four feet. The alternating
leaves of the cardinalis are medium-green and have the potential to grow up to six inches. The
flowers themselves are usually vibrant red, have a velvety texture and a tubular shape with two
lips. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies as pollinators. The reason why its pollinators are
hummingbirds is because most insects find it difficult to navigate the long tubular flowers.
During the late summer to mid-fall, the flowers bloom and attract pollinators because of its
vibrant color and height. (Gutierrez, 2002)
(Gutierrez, 2002)
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
Lobelia cardinalis is native to the americas, specifically. It can also be found in a wide range of places, from southeastern canada south through the eastern and southwestern us, mexico and central america to northern colombia. They are found in wet places, stream banks, and swamps. They prefer moist soil and part shade. (virtual. Lobelia cardinalis is a perennial plant that may grow from two to four feet. The alternating leaves of the cardinalis are medium-green and have the potential to grow up to six inches. The flowers themselves are usually vibrant red, have a velvety texture and a tubular shape with two lips. The reason why its pollinators are hummingbirds is because most insects find it difficult to navigate the long tubular flowers. During the late summer to mid-fall, the flowers bloom and attract pollinators because of its vibrant color and height. (gutierrez, 2002) Lobelia cardinalis was used in the past by the pawnee indians as a love charm.
