Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis

Physical Characteristics

Lobelia cardinalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

N. America - New Brunswick to Quebec, south to Florida and Texas.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Anthelmintic Antispasmodic Emetic Epilepsy Expectorant Febrifuge Homeopathy Nervine Stomachic Emetic, expectorant and nervine[4, 61]. The root is analgesic, anthelmintic, antispasmodic and stomachic[4, 61, 257]. A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of epilepsy, syphilis, typhoid, stomach aches, cramps, worms etc[222, 257]. A poultice of the roots has been applied to sores that are hard to heal[257]. The leaves are analgesic and febrifuge[257]. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of croup, nosebleeds, colds, fevers, headaches etc[222]. A poultice of the leaves has been applied to the head to relieve the pain of headaches[257]. This species is considered to have similar medicinal activity to L. inflata, but in a milder form[222]. It was seldom if ever used[222]. The plant is used to make a homeopathic remedy[4]. The report does not say which part of the plant is used, nor what it treats.

Known Hazards

The plant is potentially toxic, but the degree of toxicity is unknown[222]. It contains the alkaloid lobeline which has a similar effect upon the nervous system as nicotine[274]. he sap of the plant has been known to cause skin irritation[274].