Lobelia x speciosa
Campanulaceae
Form
-native to North America, up to 2 feet tall
Culture
-rich, constantly moist soil, located in full sun or partial shade
-can tolerate extremely moist soil, but any drought will harm
-clumps need divided every 2 years
-self sows in ideal conditions
Use
-best to plant in marshy spot or along stream or pond
Foliage
-simple green-purple leaves
-produce spikes of 2 inch long rose-pink flowers
-tubular flowers bloom from July to September
Interesting Facts
-Native Americans used plant to treat everything from epilepsy to witchcraft
-contains poisonous alkaloids and ingestion has caused death in humans
Banner Photo by Mathew J. Wilson