Lobelia cardinalis
This showy member of the Bluebell family sports a spike of brilliant scarlet, tubular flowers in an elongated cluster. Each 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) long flower is five petaled with an upper two lobed lip and a lower three lobed lip. The stamens unite to form a tube around the style that sticks out past the corolla. The 6 inch (15 cm) long leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and are lanceolate and toothed. Plant grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) and frequents damp, shaded sites, especially along streams and ditch lines. The cardinal flower is a favorite of hummingbirds and are pollinated by them. Flowers from July to September.
