Lobelia cardinalis
Family: Lobeliaceae
Herbaceous perennial. Native to eastern, southern and central
United States. Used by the Cherokee, Iroquois and Pawnee for diverse
purposes, from snuffing the cold infusion to cure nosebleed, to making
a love charm of the roots. The bright scarlet flowers do best in
moist areas in the full sun. They are visited by butterflies and
often remarked upon by human visitors. Cultivation:
Extra care. Sow seed on surface of soil and keep moist. Germ
in about 16 days. Prick seedlings out to pots or another flat, and grow
them until they attain sufficient size to transplant (about 4 inches).
Space plants 1 foot apart. Flowers 3 to 4 feet tall. Likes
rich, moist soil.
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