Species PlantsCardinal Flower

Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis

CommonPlant
Illustration of Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Cardinal Flower is perhaps the most brilliantly red wildflower native to North America, and its flowers are perfectly adapted for pollination by ruby-throated hummingbirds. It grows along stream banks and wetland edges, blooming in late July through September. The plant is named for the red robes of Catholic cardinals.

Habitat
Stream banks, wetland edges, and moist floodplain forests
Diet
Primary pollinator is ruby-throated hummingbird; also visited by some bees
How common
Common

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