kristinbaileywilson's Identifications

Pollinated by ruby throated hummingbirds

Cardinal flower
Facultative wetland (FACW) species meaning it usually occurs in wetlands (estimated probability 67% – 99%), but occasionally is found in non-wetlands (estimated probability 1% – 33%).

Medicinal and other uses

The Zuni people use this plant as an ingredient of "schumaakwe cakes" and used it externally for rheumatism and swelling.[8] The Penobscot people smoked the dried leaves as a substitute for tobacco. It may also have been chewed.[9]

Toxicity

As a member of the genus Lobelia, it is considered to be potentially toxic.[10] Symptoms of ingestion of large quantities include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, exhaustion and weakness, dilation of pupils, convulsions, and coma.[11] The plant contains a number of toxic alkaloids including lobelamine and lobeline.[11]