• Lobelia spicata

    Pale lobelia

Lobelia spicata

Pale lobelia Description:

Lobelia spicata, also known as spiked lobelia or pale spike lobelia, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to North America, where it can be found growing in moist meadows, prairies, and open woods.


The plant typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and spreads to about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in width. It has lance-shaped, medium green leaves that grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, and are arranged alternately on the stem. The stem is typically smooth and erect.


In mid to late summer, the spiked lobelia produces spikes of small, pale blue to white, tubular flowers with two lips that are about 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) long. The flowers are arranged in a dense, terminal raceme that can be up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The nectar-rich flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.


Lobelia spicata is a popular garden plant and can be grown in moist to dry soil conditions in full sun to partial shade. It is a good choice for cottage gardens, meadow gardens, and naturalized areas, as well as for attracting wildlife to the garden. The plant has a number of medicinal uses and has been traditionally used as a herbal remedy for a variety of ailments.

Native Range:

Pale lobelia can be found across the Central and Eastern United States. 

Standard Plant Information:

Plant Height: 1' - 2' 

Bloom Time: June - August

Preferred Habitat: Does well in part shade to full sun. Often found in wet meadows, prairies, and open woods.

Sowing:

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre.  For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.


You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.

Planting:

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.

maps used with permission from MN Wildflowers

Lobelia spicata Gallery

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