Heath lobelia (Lobelia urens, Sp. Pl.: 931 (1753))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 931 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lobelia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, W. Europe to Morocco

Description

The Heath Lobelia, scientifically known as Lobelia urens, is a captivating flora that garners attention in its native habitats, ranging from Macaronesia and Western Europe to the vibrant landscapes of Morocco. First officially described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum, this striking plant is a member of the Campanulaceae family.

Within its natural environment, Heath Lobelia thrives in a variety of conditions, often found in heathlands, grasslands, and moist, shaded areas where it benefits from the rich, well-drained soils. Its resilience allows it to adapt to different climates, from the mist-laden slopes of Macaronesia to the sun-drenched terrains of Morocco, showcasing its versatility.

This perennial herb is distinguished by its erect stems that support a profusion of small, vibrant blue or violet flowers. These blossoms, typically appearing in late summer, are a notable feature, attracting a plethora of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in the plant’s reproduction and the broader ecosystem.

The Heath Lobelia has an upright habit, with narrow, toothed leaves that add to its elegant appearance. The botanical name ‘urens’ hints at a characteristic stinging sensation experienced when the foliage is touched, a trait that sets it apart from other members of its family.

Despite its seemingly delicate appearance, Lobelia urens plays a significant role in its habitat. It contributes to the ecological diversity by providing food and habitat for various insects and supports the structure of the plant community. Its presence is often an indicator of healthy, undisturbed ground, making it a valuable species for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.

In horticulture, Heath Lobelia is valued for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to enhance the natural beauty of gardens, particularly in shaded and moist areas where few other plants thrive as well. Gardeners and landscape designers appreciate its vibrant blooms and minimal maintenance requirements, making it a favorable choice for enriching biodiversity in cultivated environments.

In summary, Lobelia urens is more than just an ornamental plant; it is a robust species with a historical pedigree, ecological significance, and distinctive characteristics that have earned it a place both in nature and human cultivation. Its enduring beauty and resilience continue to captivate and inspire, highlighting the intricate bonds between flora and their environments.

Common Names

Deu: land-lobelie
Eng: heath lobelia
Swe: hedlobelia
Nld: brandlobelia
Cym: bidoglys chwerw, bidoglys chwerw lobelia, bodoglys chwerw
En: Heath lobelia, Acrid Lobelia, Flower of Axe
Az: Yandırıcı firəngotu
Kw: Lobeli hwerow
Nl: Brandlobelia
Eo: Erikeja lobelio
Fr: Lobélie brûlante, Cardinale des marais
De: Land-Lobelie, Brennlobelie
Es: Escurripa, Matacaballos
Sv: Hedlobelia
Cy: Bidoglys chwerw, Bidoglys Chwerw Lobelia, Bodoglys Chwerw

Synonyms

• Lobelia urens var. serrulata ((Schott ex Brot.) Steud.)
• Lobelia urens var. longebracteata (Pérez Lara)
• Rapuntium serrulatum ((Schott ex Brot.) C.Presl)
• Lobelia urens var. brevibracteata (Pérez Lara)
• Lobelia urens var. longibracteata (Pérez Lara)
• Lobelia urens f. angustifolia (E.Wimm.)
• Lobelia urens var. integra (Chabert)
• Rapuntium urens ((L.) Mill.)
• Lobelia farsetia (Vand.)
• Dortmanna urens ((L.) Kuntze)
• Lobelia verbenifolia (Salisb.)
• Mecoschistum urens ((L.) Dulac)
• Lobelia serrulata (Schott ex Brot.)

Distribution

• Azores (native)
• Belgium (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Andy Radnor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Philippe Bellin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 24, 2020 by Marie-Françoise Parais (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Bert Geerdes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2010 by AnneMarie Machut (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Victoria C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (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.

Habit

Taken Aug 29, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc GORREMANS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Christophe GIROD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Jean Marc DUBREUIL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Victoria C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken May 31, 1887 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 10, 2021 by Macías gema (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5408353)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:143992-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lobelia urens L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 4.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 2