Great Blue Lobelia (SE Minnesota Ecotype)

Lobelia siphilitica

Origin: Eastern North America

Improvement status: Wild

Seeds per packet: ~1,500

Germination tested 10/2024: 20%

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.

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

Our seeds come from our friend Bonnie in Winona, Minnesota, who is a talented forager and wildcrafter, and very familiar with the flora of the Driftless region.