Meet Lobelia
siphilitica – Great Blue Lobelia – a member of the bellflower family. Also called great lobelia or blue cardinal flower.
A couple of years ago we stumbled-upon this patch growing on the north edge of our backyard rain garden. We didn’t plant it so Jill suggested that it found its way here by means of duck feet. Plenty of wet clay soil here – perfect.
The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bumblebees, ruby-throated hummingbirds and large butterflies. Deer avoid it as a consequence of the foliage containing toxic alkaloids that can cause a reaction similar to nicotine poisoning.
It is a stunning wildflower.
Bonus too!
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