Indian Shot
Canna indica
Last reviewed: June 2026
Indian Shot (Canna indica) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
24"–72" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, FL, LA and 3 more states
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees
Canna indica is a tall perennial with broad tropical-looking leaves and showy orange or red flowers that bloom from summer through early fall. This vigorous plant forms clumps and requires consistent moisture to thrive in full sun locations.
In an HOA neighborhood
Indian Shot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very tropical appearance may seem out of place
- Can spread aggressively and look overgrown
- Dies back dramatically in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
The bright tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and also draw bees during the long blooming season from June through September.
Common questions
- How much sun does Indian Shot need?
- Indian Shot grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Indian Shot bloom?
- Indian Shot blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Indian Shot native?
- Indian Shot (Canna indica) is native to AL, AR, FL, LA and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Indian Shot toxic to dogs?
- Indian Shot is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Indian Shot toxic to cats?
- Indian Shot is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Indian Shot attract?
- Indian Shot draws hummingbirds and bees.
- Is Indian Shot HOA-friendly?
- Indian Shot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Indian Shot? 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