Species: Lobelia cardinalis, Cardinal Flower

Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower) ; subfamily: Lobelioideae (Lobelia)

Plant description: 2 -6' tall; flowers 1 - 2"; leaves alternate; basal leaves absent when plant is in flower

Habitat: Swamps, bogs, flodplains, stream and riverbanks

Range: Throughout North America except Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North and South Dakota

Bloom Period: July - October

Human Uses: Ornamenal cultivars; used medicinally in the past, currently considered toxic and possibly fatal

Ecology: Pollinated by hummingbirds, bees, butterflies

Status: Salvage restricted: Arizona; Threatened: Florida; Exploitably Vulnerable: New York