How much sun does Dunn's lobelia need?

Dunn's lobelia grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Dunn's lobelia bloom?

Dunn's lobelia blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Dunn's lobelia native?

Dunn's lobelia (Lobelia dunnii) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Dunn's lobelia attract?

Dunn's lobelia draws bees and hummingbirds.

Dunn's lobelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lobelia dunnii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Dunn's lobelia (Lobelia dunnii) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds.

Toxicity unknown

Dunn's lobelia (Lobelia dunnii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

18"–48" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains

An upright perennial with narrow leaves and slender spikes of blue-violet tubular flowers, growing along streambanks and seeps. Can look sparse until it reaches full bloom in late summer.

Growing Dunn's lobelia

Grow Dunn's lobelia in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Late-season tubular flowers provide nectar for bees and hummingbirds when few other plants are blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Dunn's lobelia need?: Dunn's lobelia grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Dunn's lobelia bloom?: Dunn's lobelia blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Dunn's lobelia native?: Dunn's lobelia (Lobelia dunnii) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Dunn's lobelia attract?: Dunn's lobelia draws bees and hummingbirds.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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