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Lobelia spicata
Lobelia spicata Lam.
Pale-spike Lobelia
Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: LOSP
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
A single, slender stem rises 1-3 ft. from Pale-spike Lobelia’s small rosette of basal foliage. The stem bears a delicate spike of pale-blue, two-lipped flowers. Small, bilaterally symmetrical, lavender to purplish-blue to bluish-white flowers in an elongated, slender, spike-like cluster; stem leafy, often reddish and hairy at base, smooth above. Pale-spike Lobelia is a perennial.
This is a highly variable species with several varieties recognized by botanists.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: MB , NB , ON , SK
Native Distribution: S.e. Canada to Sask. & n.e. MT, s. to GA, AL, MS, LA & e. TX
Native Habitat: Prairies; open woodlands
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil Description: Moist to dry soils.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: HummingbirdsWarning: The leaves, seeds, and roots of some plants of the Lobelia genus contain poisonous substances and have caused fatalities in humans and animals when ingested. All plants in the genus may contain toxins and should not be ingested. POISONOUS PARTS: All parts. Toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, exhaustion and weakness, dilation of pupils, convulsions, and coma. Toxic Principle: Alkaloids lobelamine, lobeline, and others, plus a volatile oil. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Propagation
Description: Scratch seeds lightly onto the soil surface. Use fresh or stratified seed.Seed Treatment: Moist stratify for 2 months at 40 degrees.
Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallySearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Lobelia spicata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Lobelia spicata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lobelia spicata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-17Research By: TWC Staff