Indian-tobacco
Lobelia inflata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Indian-tobacco (Lobelia inflata) is a annual forb native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states. It blooms in July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and moths.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–30" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
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Indian-tobacco is a slender annual wildflower that produces spikes of small blue flowers from summer into fall. This native plant grows 6-30 inches tall with a narrow, upright habit that fits well in mixed plantings. Despite its common name, it is not related to commercial tobacco but gets its name from historical indigenous uses.
Growing Indian-tobacco
Grow Indian-tobacco in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 30 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Indian-tobacco 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.
- Contains toxic alkaloids that may concern neighbors
- Annual nature means gaps appear when plants die
- Can self-seed unpredictably creating weedy appearance
Wildlife value
The tubular blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and moths throughout the late summer blooming period. As a native annual, it provides nectar during a time when many other flowers are fading.
Common questions
- How much sun does Indian-tobacco need?
- Indian-tobacco grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Indian-tobacco bloom?
- Indian-tobacco blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Indian-tobacco native?
- Indian-tobacco (Lobelia inflata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Indian-tobacco attract?
- Indian-tobacco draws bees, butterflies, and moths.
- Is Indian-tobacco HOA-friendly?
- Indian-tobacco 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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