Research conducted and descriptions written by Burley Middle School 6th grade students in 2023 with minor editing by RCA staff.
The other name for the blue cardinal flower is great blue lobelia. Lobelia siphilitica is violet colored and can grow 3 to 4 feet tall. It starts maturing in mid-summer and continues to early fall. Great blue lobelia flowers have 5 petals, their length is between 2-6 inches, and they have stripes on the tube portion of the flower. These plants need wet to moist soil, and prefer part shade, but in full sun the soil must be constantly moist, like in rain gardens. Historically, Native Americans like the Cherokee used the plant’s roots and leaves to treat coughs, nosebleeds, headaches, colds, and more.