Indian-tobacco
Lobelia inflata
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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.
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.
Does Indian-tobacco fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.