Cardinal Flower - Lobelia cardinalis

Cardinal Flower on shore of Lake Wingra in Wingra Park in Madison, Wisconsin on July 29, 2019.

Above: Cardinal Flower on shore of Lake Wingra in Wingra Park in Madison, Wisconsin (7/29/19).

Cardinal Flower - Lobelia cardinalis

The Cardinal Flower is a native wildflower in the bellflower family. The plants grow from 2'-5' tall (all the plants I identified were bout 2' tall and shorter).

The bright red blossoms are very showy and are also described as described as scarlet, crimson, or vermilion (Named for the vivid red color of a Roman Catholic cardinal's robe). The blossoms have five petals that are united into a two-lipped corolla. The lower lip has three very prominent lobes; the upper lip has two small ones. Five stamens are joined forming a red tube around the style and are topped by bearded anthers which form a mustache-looking brush.

The Cardinal flower is named for the vivid red color of a Roman Catholic cardinal's robe. Nonetheless, when looking at the shape of the blossoms with the stamens forming a long red, neck-like tube, one cannot help but think of the bird taking flight.

Above: Cardinal Flower leaves and stem.

Above: Cardinal Flower on shore of Lake Wingra in Wingra Park in Madison, Wisconsin. (8/23/19).

CARDINAL FLOWER
(Lobelia cardinalis)
by Scottish author, Elizabeth Gordon

Stately Madame Cardinal Flower

Holds receptions by the hour;

Invites those whom she likes the best,

And Humming Bird's her favorite guest.

For more information on the Cardinal Flower, visit Wikipedia.

Or, visit the UW-Madison Wisconsin State Herbarium website page about Cardinal Flower.

Or, view the University of Wisconsin Master Gardener Program website page about Cardinal Flower.