When does Lobelia cardinalis bloom?

Scarlet Lobelia blooms from July through September, producing striking red flower spikes that are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.

What pollinators visit Lobelia cardinalis?

This native plant attracts hummingbirds as its primary pollinators, along with bees and butterflies that visit the tubular red flowers.

Where is Scarlet Lobelia native?

Lobelia cardinalis is native to most U.S. states, from coast to coast, including Alabama through Wyoming and from Maine to California.

What growing conditions does Lobelia cardinalis prefer?

Scarlet Lobelia thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and tolerates full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens and pond edges.

Is Cardinal Flower toxic to dogs?

Yes. Cardinal Flower is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Cardinal Flower toxic to cats?

Yes. Cardinal Flower is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Cardinal Flower toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cardinal Flower as toxic to livestock.

Is Cardinal Flower HOA-friendly?

Cardinal Flower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Cardinal Flower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lobelia cardinalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Lobelia cardinalis produces brilliant red flower spikes from July through September, thriving in moist soils across most of the United States. This native perennial attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies to gardens and naturalized areas.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) — Photo: Barnes, Dr. Thomas G. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Cardinal Flower is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cardinal Flower as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 37 more states

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees, butterflies

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 426 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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Scarlet lobelia produces brilliant red flower spikes that create striking vertical accents in the garden from summer through early fall. This moisture-loving native perennial thrives in partly shaded areas with consistent water and forms clumps of dark green foliage.

Growing Cardinal Flower

Grow Cardinal Flower in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cardinal Flower is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Requires consistent moisture which may increase maintenance expectations

Wildlife value

The bright red tubular flowers are specifically adapted for hummingbirds, making this an excellent hummingbird magnet. Bees and butterflies also visit the blooms regularly.

Common questions

When does Lobelia cardinalis bloom?: Scarlet Lobelia blooms from July through September, producing striking red flower spikes that are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
What pollinators visit Lobelia cardinalis?: This native plant attracts hummingbirds as its primary pollinators, along with bees and butterflies that visit the tubular red flowers.
Where is Scarlet Lobelia native?: Lobelia cardinalis is native to most U.S. states, from coast to coast, including Alabama through Wyoming and from Maine to California.
What growing conditions does Lobelia cardinalis prefer?: Scarlet Lobelia thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and tolerates full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for rain gardens and pond edges.
Is Cardinal Flower toxic to dogs?: Yes. Cardinal Flower is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Cardinal Flower toxic to cats?: Yes. Cardinal Flower is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Cardinal Flower toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cardinal Flower as toxic to livestock.
Is Cardinal Flower HOA-friendly?: Cardinal Flower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Cardinal Flower and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.

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