Species page
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis var. cardinalis var. var. cardinalis
Campanulaceae
Red
The intensity of its red blooms, plus the fact the it is always in a wet area, even if just a canyon spring in dry country, has meant that many a wandering Texas botanist has been cheered by finding a cardinal flower in bloom. Frequent visits by hummingbirds and butterflies add to the charm. However, leave it alone and just enjoy it: all parts are poisonous to humans and livestock, and the sap can irritate the skin of some people. It grows in most parts of the state save South Texas and blooms late summer and fall.
