Great Blue Lobelia

Lobelia siphilitica

Origin: Eastern North America

Improvement status: Wild

Seeds per packet: ~1,000

Germination tested 09/2025: 80%

Lifecycle: Perennial

Also called "blue cardinal flower," Great Blue Lobelia is a gorgeous eastern North American native wildflower with a long history of medicinal use. It was traditionally used for a range of ailments, from the minor (colds, fevers, diarrhea, stomach complaints, headaches) to the major (dysentary, edema, treatment-resistent sores, and sexually transmitted diseases, including — as its botanical name indicates — syphilis). One source states that some Native Americans believed that if the crushed roots were secretly added to the food of an arguing couple it would prevent them from separating. The plant thrives in sun or shade, but definitely prefers moist soil. Native pollinators absolutely love it. Considered a short-lived perennial, it will self-seed if you give it half a chance. Hardy between Zones 4 and 9.

1-3 foot tall plant with raceme of small, beautiful irregular flowers.

Our seeds come from our friend Aaron Parker in Maine.

GROWING TIPS: Seeds need 60 days cold moist stratification, or fall seed.