Cardinal FlowerLobelia cardinalis
A hummingbird favorite, cardinal flower is a striking plant in the garden or restoration. It is a short-lived perennial, usually blooming 3-5 years. It can reseed if seeds receive enough light and consistent moisture during germination.
USDA symbol: LOCA2
General Information
| Plant Type | Forb |
|---|---|
| Height | 3 feet |
| Light Exposure | Sun, Part Sun |
| Soil Moisture | Medium |
| Bloom Color | Red |
Tolerances
| Flooding / Inundation Tolerance | High |
|---|---|
| General Resilience | 2 |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
Pollinator Value: High
| Bloom Months | May to September |
|---|---|
| Pollinator Benefit | Insect Pollinated, Provides Nectar, Supports Specialists |
Project Planning
| Project Type | Erosion Control, Rain Garden, Sandy or Engineered Soils, Shoreline Buffer |
|---|---|
| Coefficient of Conservatism | 4 |
| Herbivore Sensitivity | Low |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Rate of Spread | Slow |
| Soil Stabilization | Deep |
| Vegetative Reproduction | Clonal |
Range
| County | Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, Washington, Winona |
|---|---|
| Ecoregion | Driftless Area, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Lakes and Forests, Western Cornbelt Plains |
| Approximate Eco Province | Eastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland |