Xobelia Jfamil^. 



Cardinal Flower. Lobelia cardinalis. 



Found on the margins of small streams, in light shade, and in low 

 moist ground, from July to October. 



The single, rather large stalk is round, and somewhat irregularly 

 grooved, smooth to the touch, and a full green color. It grows from 2 

 to 4 feet high. 



The leaves are generally from 2 to 3 inches in length, tapering at 

 both ends with the veins distinctly showing, and irregularly toothed 

 margins ; their texture is fine, and the color a full dark green. They 

 are set immediately upon the stalk, in an alternate arrangement. 



The irregular corolla is somewhat 2-lipped, with a long slender 

 tube which is split down its upper side ; the lower lip is broad and 3- 

 cleft, the upper being narrow and in 2 parts ; its color is a deep and 

 glowing red, with a darker spot near the throat upon the lower lip. 

 The pistil and 5 stamens, which curve outwards noticeably, are of a 

 lighter red color with fine gray tips ; the calyx is 5-parted and green. 

 The flowers are arranged in a long, usually one-sided, spike. 



Coming into bloom when the midsummer vegetation is growing 

 dusty, this plant fills the eye with the richness of its dark green leafage 

 toned into perfect accord with the glowing hue of its flowers, — their 

 color a truly royal one, of unusual depth as well as brilliancy. The 

 Cardinal Flower should not be plucked ruthlessly, lest it be exter- 

 minated, an ever-present danger to the beautiful annuals man appre- 

 ciates. It can be cultivated from the seed with considerable success. 



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