André Karwath aka Aka / CC BY-SA 2.5
Lobelia
Lobelia
Overview
A genus with both ornamental garden annuals and potent medicinal native perennials. The delicate trailing lobelias in blue and white are garden favorites for containers and edges, while the native great blue lobelia and cardinal flower are striking wetland wildflowers. Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco) has a significant but complex medicinal history as a respiratory herb.
false lobelia (Lobelia)
Native Range and Habitat
False lobelia is a genus of flowering plants that comprises 415 species. These plants have a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, with some species extending into cooler temperate regions. They are known generally as lobelias.
The genus Lobelia includes both hardy and tender annual, perennial, and shrubby species. Many species within this group appear totally dissimilar from each other. However, all have simple, alternate leaves and two-lipped tubular flowers, each with five lobes. The upper two lobes may be erect while the lower three lobes may be fanned out. Flowering is often abundant and the flower colour intense, making them popular as ornamental garden subjects.
The genus Lobelia was first formally described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in Species plantarum, naming it after the Flemish botanist Matthias de Lobel (1538–1616). Several species are cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens. These include Lobelia cardinalis syn. Lobelia fulgens (cardinal flower or Indian pink), Lobelia siphilitica (blue lobelia), and Lobelia erinus, which is used for edging and window boxes.
Numerous hybrids have been produced, notably Lobelia × speciosa, a hybrid derived from L. fulgens, L. cardinalis, and L. siphilitica. This plant is borderline hardy and requires fertile, moist soil. It is suitable for summer bedding schemes or growing in containers.
The species used most commonly in modern herbalism is Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco). Use of lobelia for cardiovascular diseases may cause adverse effects. Two species, L. siphilitica and L. cardinalis, were once considered a cure for syphilis. Herbalist Samuel Thomson popularized medicinal use of lobelia in the United States in the early 19th century.
Many members of the genus are considered poisonous.
Growing Conditions
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Meadows & Open Areas
- Native Range
- Native to Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut and 39 more US states; native to British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick... in Canada; also native to Alberta, Amur, Andaman Is. and 177 more regions
- Native Region
- Alaska, Canada, Continental US, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, SPM
- Cultivation Region
- Northern temperate regions
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Sowing & Propagation
Propagation Methods
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 10-12 weeks early; dust-like seeds need light; very slow |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after frost; trailing types superb in hanging baskets |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Jun — Aug | Bloom until heat shuts it down; shear back and water — may rebloom in cool fall |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Jan — Feb | Start indoors 12 weeks early; do not cover seeds |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — May | Transplant after last frost; part shade in warm areas |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | May — Jul | Spring/summer bloom; brilliant blue cascade |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Transplant in spring; electric blue flowers; cool-season performer |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Apr — Jun | Spring bloom; fades above 80°F; shear for possible fall comeback |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Sep — Oct | Fall plant for cool-season bloom; dies in summer heat |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Oct — Apr (wraps) | Fall through spring bloom |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Fall/winter plant; cool season only |
| Hot (10+) | Bloom | Nov — Mar (wraps) | Winter bloom; heat kills it |
Uses
Medicinal
- L. inflata historically used as a respiratory antispasmodic (professional use only)
- Traditional smoking cessation aid (lobeline is similar to nicotine)
- External use for muscle spasms and pain
Other Uses
- Trailing varieties excellent for containers and hanging baskets
- Native species for rain gardens and wetland edges
Safety Notes
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].
