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Uses

Toxic parts

The plant is potentially toxic, but the degree of toxicity is unknown[1]. It contains the alkaloid lobeline which has a similar effect upon the nervous system as nicotine[2]. he sap of the plant has been known to cause skin irritation[2].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Lobelia cardinalis.

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Lobelia cardinalis.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Emetic, expectorant and nervine[3][4].

The root is analgesic, anthelmintic, antispasmodic and stomachic[3][4][5]. A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of epilepsy, syphilis, typhoid, stomach aches, cramps, worms etc[1][5]. A poultice of the roots has been applied to sores that are hard to heal[5]. The leaves are analgesic and febrifuge[5]. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of croup, nosebleeds, colds, fevers, headaches etc[1]. A poultice of the leaves has been applied to the head to relieve the pain of headaches[5]. This species is considered to have similar medicinal activity to L. inflata, but in a milder form[1]. It was seldom if ever used[1].

The plant is used to make a homeopathic remedy[3]. The report does not say which part of the plant is used, nor what it treats.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[6]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Division in spring[6]. Basal cuttings in spring[7]. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Layering in moist sand, it forms roots at the nodes[6].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Lobelia cardinalis. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a deep rich soil and plenty of moisture[7][6]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in standing water though is not then so long lived[6]. Succeeds in full sun or light shade[6]. Requires protection from the wind[6].

Dormant plants are hardy to at least -25°c[8], though they can be excited into premature growth in mild winter areas and are then more susceptible to frost damage[6]. A very ornamental plant[7].

Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Lobelia cardinalis. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Lobelia cardinalis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Lobelia cardinalis
Genus
Lobelia
Family
Campanulaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
aquatic
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.5 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J [Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas] Botanical Research Institute, Texas. (1999-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.5 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.66.76.8 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    8. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    9. ? Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. (1950-00-00)

    "image:Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Facts about "Lobelia cardinalis"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyCampanulaceae +
    Belongs to genusLobelia +
    Has binomial nameLobelia cardinalis +
    Has common nameCardinal Flower +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone3 +
    Has imageLobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has mature height1 +
    Has mature width0.25 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAnalgesic +, Anthelmintic +, Antispasmodic +, Emetic +, Expectorant +, Febrifuge +, Homeopathy +, Nervine + and Stomachic +
    Has primary imageLobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower.jpg +
    Has search namelobelia cardinalis + and cardinal flower +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy +, Clay + and Heavy clay +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameLobelia cardinalis +
    Has water requirementsaquatic +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedYes +
    PFAF material use notes migratedYes +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
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