Lobelia cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis is a flowering plant native throughout the southeast. It is primarily found in moist to wet habitats, and grows well in full sun to part shade. It can grow up to four feet tall in the growing season, and dies back almost completely in the winter. Leaving dormant stems up throughout the winter provides necessary over-wintering habitat for pollinators. Tall stalks of bright red flowers bloom in the summer and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Songbirds eat the seeds in the fall and winter. Lobelia cardinalis is great for restoration projects, stormwater plantings, or as a specimen plant in a yard or rain garden.