Blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica, Sp. Pl.: 931 (1753))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 931 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lobelia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SC. & SE. Canada to WC. & E. U.S.A

Description

Blue lobelia, known scientifically as Lobelia siphilitica, is a striking perennial plant cherished for its vibrant blue flowers. This botanical gem finds itself well-rooted in the Campanulaceae family, a group renowned for their bell-shaped blossoms.

First described in Carl Linnaeus’ seminal work, “Species Plantarum” in 1753, Blue lobelia has become a staple in both wild and cultivated landscapes across a broad geographic range. It thrives in regions spanning from South-Central and Southeastern Canada down through the Western and Eastern United States. This extensive distribution is a testament to its adaptability and resilience in varying climates and conditions.

The Blue lobelia’s tall, robust stems often reach heights of up to three feet, adorned with lance-shaped leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its enchanting flowers. From midsummer to early fall, these blooms burst forth, creating a vivid display of electric blue that commands attention. Each flower, with its tubular shape and two-lipped structure, is perfectly designed to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thus playing a vital role in local ecosystems.

Beyond its ornamental value, Blue lobelia has a rich historical background. Indigenous populations once utilized it for medicinal purposes, although caution is advised due to its potentially toxic properties if misused. In modern horticulture, its striking appearance and pollinator-friendly attributes make it a favored choice for gardeners aiming to enhance the biodiversity and visual appeal of their gardens.

In summary, Lobelia siphilitica is more than just a pretty face among plants. Its beauty, ecological significance, and historical uses combine to make it a truly remarkable species worthy of admiration and study.

Common Names

Deu: blaue kardinalslobelie, stauden-lobelie, blaue kardinals-lobelie
Eng: blue cardinal-flower, blue lobelia, great blue lobelia, great lobelia, blue cardinal flower
Swe: blå axlobelia
Fra: lobélie géante, lobélie bleue
Lat: lobelia
En: Blue lobelia, Great blue lobelia, Great lobelia, Blue cardinal-flower, Blue cardinal flower
Fr: Lobélie géante, Lobélie bleue
De: Blaue Kardinals-Lobelie, Blaue Kardinalslobelie, Stauden-Lobelie
La: Lobelia
Sv: Blå axlobelia

Synonyms

• Lobelia siphilitica var. rosea (N.Coleman)
• Lobelia antisyphilitica (Hayne)
• Lobelia siphilitica var. densiflora ((J.Rennie) E.Wimm.)
• Lobelia siphilitica var. grandis (E.Wimm.)
• Lobelia belgica (De Jonghe)
• Rapuntium siphiliticum ((L.) Mill.)
• Rapuntium syphiliticum (Moench)
• Dortmanna siphilitica ((L.) Kuntze)
• Lobelia densiflora (J.Rennie)
• Lobelia siphilitica f. albiflora (Britton)
• Lobelia siphilitica var. maculata (A.DC.)
• Lobelia siphilitica var. ludoviciana (A.DC.)
• Lobelia siphilitica f. purpurea (Voss)
• Lobelia siphilitica var. alba (G.Don & W.H.Baxter)
• Lobelia siphilitica var. minor (Hook.)
• Lobelia bollii (E.Wimm.)
• Lobelia siphilitica var. bollii ((E.Wimm.) E.Wimm.)
• Lobelia siphilitica f. alba ((G.Don & W.H.Baxter) Voss)
• Lobelia siphilitica f. laevicalyx (Fernald)
• Lobelia siphilitica var. candida (Alph.Wood)
• Lobelia reflexa (Stokes)
• Lobelia siphilitica f. ludoviciana ((A.DC.) Voss)
• Lobelia coelestis (Nutt. ex Loudon)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Austria (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 27, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 14, 2019 by A.anda Todahl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Maranatha Chung (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Matthew Dyer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2019 by Alf Alfons (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Lisa J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2021 by Marie Thérèse BOSTYN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 8, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2019 by Bruce Winter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2007 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Lisa J (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5409120)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:143861-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lobelia siphilitica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth