Cardinal Flower

Common name: Cardinal Flower (Scarlet Lobelia)

Scientific name: Lobelia cardinalis

Dimensions:
  Flower: 1½-2" (4-5 cm) long
  Plant height: 2-5' (60-150 cm)

Blooming period: July-September

Habitat: Wet places, stream banks, swamps

Description: Intense red flowers in a slender spike on an erect stalk. Flowers are 2-lipped, tubular, bilaterally symmetrical; lower lip 3-lobed, hairless within; united stamens form a tube around the style all of which is topped by a white-tipped stigma. On very rare occasions the flowers may be pink or white. Leaves up to 6" (15 cm) long, thin, lanceolate, toothed. The flowers name may be attributed to the bright red robes of Roman Catholic cardinals, or the red bird with the same name. Bellflower family. (July 17)