Skip to main content

Florida Lobelia

Lobelia floridana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Florida Lobelia (Lobelia floridana)
Photo: (c) Jay Horn, some rights reserved (CC BY) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Florida Lobelia (Lobelia floridana) 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

6"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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 445 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

Lobelia floridana is a compact native perennial that produces delicate blue to purple flowers from summer through early fall. This low-growing wildflower works well in borders and naturalized areas, forming small clumps that spread gradually over time.

In an HOA neighborhood

Florida Lobelia is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

  • May look sparse or weedy outside of bloom period
  • Small stature can appear unfinished in prominent locations

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. This native plant provides nectar for pollinators during the hot summer months when many other flowers have finished blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Florida Lobelia need?
Florida Lobelia grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Florida Lobelia bloom?
Florida Lobelia blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Florida Lobelia native?
Florida Lobelia (Lobelia floridana) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Florida Lobelia attract?
Florida Lobelia draws bees and butterflies.
Is Florida Lobelia HOA-friendly?
Florida Lobelia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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

Ready to grow Florida Lobelia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz