270 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
L., spicata.—Spiked Lobelia—A beautiful indigenous 
species, common in most pastures and by the road sides, 
with lively pale-blue flowers, in long terminal spikes; in 
July. Stem upright, smooth, a little hairy, one and one- 
half foot high. I have never seen this species cultivated, 
but have no doubt but what it would be very much im- 
proved, and prove a valuable acquisition to the border. 
There are a number of annual Lobelias which are much 
admired for their innumerable dark-blue flowers, which 
are produced through theseason. They are humble trail- 
ing plants, very suitable for the front of the flower-bed, 
or for ornamental rock-work, until the perennials have 
spread. Among the varieties recommended are, LZ. ramo- 
sa, gracilis, coelestina, triqueter, and others. They are 
good plants for hanging pots, as they are always covered 
with their delicate blue, light and dark, rose, or white 
flowers, which, trailing over the pots, present an interest- 
ing appearance. L. Paxtoniana.— Flowers fine azure 
blue, shading off to a white margin; growth compact. 
A novel and desirable variety for pot culture, or for plant- 
ing out in the border, where it succeeds best if partially 
shaded. All Lobelias are poisonous, though some have 
been used medicinally. I make this remark as a warning 
to inexperienced persons, against putting any of the spe- 
cies into the mouth. All the species are increased by 
sowing the seed; most of the perennials by cuttings or 
division of the roots. 
L. inflata.—Indian Tobacco.—Is probably familiar to 
every one, at least by name. Its virtues are so prized by 
some, that we are almost led to suppose that it is a sover- 
eign remedy for all diseases that flesh and blood are heir 
to. The plant is an annual, of not much interest, with 
small blue flowers, and inflated pods or seed-vessels, com- 
mon in dry pastures and road sides. The whole plant is 
a violent emetic. 
