Lobelia cardinalis, Cardinal Flower, Quart pot
FS-PS, Zone 4, blooms July-Sept., 3-4’ x .5-1’, wet to medium wet, deer resistant
Keystone species - It is classified as a keystone species because it provides essential specialized resources that support a disproportionately large number of species relative to its abundance. It is widely recognized as a critical nectar source for hummingbirds and large butterflies like swallowtails, its foliage supports 6 moth species. The flower's long tubular shape is specifically evolved for hummingbirds and long-tongued butterflies, making it a "specialist" resource that many other plants cannot provide.
This plant grows best with some shade and moist, rich soil. It is a showy plant that does great in wetland situations. The parent plant may not live for more than a few seasons, but since it self seeds, others will take its place. The flowering spikes open from bottom to top and make good cuts for the vase. Another plus is that the plants produce a secondary compound called “lobeline”, which deters deer and rabbits. Our plants took the first year to get established and bloomed very nicely in year 2 & 3.
Attracts many native bees and wasps and is a terrific butterfly magnet. Humminbirds are also drawn to the color and the nectar. Honey bees do not see the red, instead it appears black. However, once they find the plant, nectar frenzy starts! They access the nectar by inserting their tongues into the base. Considered nectar robbing since the plants reproductive structures are bypassed. There are some sources that say Cardinal Flower is the Host plant for Spicebush Swallowtail.
Instead, it is highly specialized for pollination by the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), which is perfectly adapted to its long, narrow, red, tubular flowers.
The plant produces a secondary compound called lobeline, which makes the foliage toxic and deters many generalist herbivores like deer and rabbits, though the specialized larvae mentioned above have adapted to it.
DA Plant Notes - In 2025, Bill Scneider, the owner of Wild Type visited Detroit Abloom. We spent time chatting and talking about the natives. Bill passed on this tip - he said to be sure and pinch the center stalk of your Lobelia cardinalis, he said this will make it a stronger plant that will last many seasons.
Lobelia cardinalis, Cardinal Flower, Quart pot
FS-PS, Zone 4, blooms July-Sept., 3-4’ x .5-1’, wet to medium wet, deer resistant
Keystone species - It is classified as a keystone species because it provides essential specialized resources that support a disproportionately large number of species relative to its abundance. It is widely recognized as a critical nectar source for hummingbirds and large butterflies like swallowtails, its foliage supports 6 moth species. The flower's long tubular shape is specifically evolved for hummingbirds and long-tongued butterflies, making it a "specialist" resource that many other plants cannot provide.
This plant grows best with some shade and moist, rich soil. It is a showy plant that does great in wetland situations. The parent plant may not live for more than a few seasons, but since it self seeds, others will take its place. The flowering spikes open from bottom to top and make good cuts for the vase. Another plus is that the plants produce a secondary compound called “lobeline”, which deters deer and rabbits. Our plants took the first year to get established and bloomed very nicely in year 2 & 3.
Attracts many native bees and wasps and is a terrific butterfly magnet. Humminbirds are also drawn to the color and the nectar. Honey bees do not see the red, instead it appears black. However, once they find the plant, nectar frenzy starts! They access the nectar by inserting their tongues into the base. Considered nectar robbing since the plants reproductive structures are bypassed. There are some sources that say Cardinal Flower is the Host plant for Spicebush Swallowtail.
Instead, it is highly specialized for pollination by the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), which is perfectly adapted to its long, narrow, red, tubular flowers.
The plant produces a secondary compound called lobeline, which makes the foliage toxic and deters many generalist herbivores like deer and rabbits, though the specialized larvae mentioned above have adapted to it.
DA Plant Notes - In 2025, Bill Scneider, the owner of Wild Type visited Detroit Abloom. We spent time chatting and talking about the natives. Bill passed on this tip - he said to be sure and pinch the center stalk of your Lobelia cardinalis, he said this will make it a stronger plant that will last many seasons.
