Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal flower is a native perennial plant with small, red, tubular flowers that bloom in late summer.

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A closeup of red, tubular cardinal flower blossoms.
Cardinal flower has small, red, tubular flowers that bloom in late summer and attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

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Appearance

The cardinal flower has small, red, tubular flowers with two lips and three lobes. The flowers bloom on alternate sides along unbranched stalks. It blooms from July to September. Finely toothed, lance-shaped leaves grow to 4 inches in length. The cardinal flower plant grows 2 to 4 feet tall.

Reproduction and life cycle

The cardinal flower reseeds itself each year. It can be propagated and spread by seed or cutting.

Did you know?

  • Cardinal flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
  • Although it has been used for medicinal purposes, the cardinal flower is potentially toxic to humans and other mammals.
  • The Iroquois had many medicinal uses for cardinal flower. They boiled the roots with chicory root and used the liquid to treat fever. They also mashed the roots, stems, leaves and flowers together to treat cramps.
  • The Pawnee used cardinal flower roots and flowers as a love charm.

Sources and additional information

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