How much sun does Nuttall's Lobelia need?

Nuttall's Lobelia grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Nuttall's Lobelia bloom?

Nuttall's Lobelia blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Nuttall's Lobelia native?

Nuttall's Lobelia (Lobelia nuttallii) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Nuttall's Lobelia attract?

Nuttall's Lobelia draws bees and butterflies.

Is Nuttall's Lobelia HOA-friendly?

Nuttall's Lobelia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Nuttall's Lobelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lobelia nuttallii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Nuttall's Lobelia (Lobelia nuttallii) 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 × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, DE, FL, GA and 11 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 437 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

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Nuttall's lobelia is a compact native perennial that produces delicate spikes of small blue to purple flowers from summer through early fall. This low-growing wildflower forms neat clumps and thrives in partial sun with moderate moisture, making it suitable for naturalized areas and pollinator gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nuttall's Lobelia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Appears too wild and unstructured for formal landscapes
Small flowers may not provide desired visual impact
Unknown dormancy appearance creates maintenance uncertainty

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the long summer blooming period. This native lobelia provides nectar for pollinators when many other flowers are finished for the season.

Common questions

How much sun does Nuttall's Lobelia need?: Nuttall's Lobelia grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Nuttall's Lobelia bloom?: Nuttall's Lobelia blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Nuttall's Lobelia native?: Nuttall's Lobelia (Lobelia nuttallii) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Nuttall's Lobelia attract?: Nuttall's Lobelia draws bees and butterflies.
Is Nuttall's Lobelia HOA-friendly?: Nuttall's Lobelia 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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