Quick answer: Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is native to 41 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Barnes, Dr. Thomas G., Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium-High water, Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Moist to wet, humus-rich soil - medium loam, clay loam, limestone-based, sandy, sandy loam, clay |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Oct |
| Height | Up to 6 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Nectar source for hummingbirds, attracts birds and butterflies |
All parts toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, exhaustion/weakness, pupil dilation, convulsions, coma. Toxic compounds: alkaloids lobelamine, lobeline, and others, plus volatile oil
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Cardinal flower
Where is Cardinal flower native?
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is native to 41 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Cardinal flower bloom?
Cardinal flower blooms May-Oct. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Cardinal flower need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium-High water, Moist-Wet. Soil: Moist to wet, humus-rich soil - medium loam, clay loam, limestone-based, sandy, sandy loam, clay. Mature height: Up to 6 ft tall.
Is Cardinal flower good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nectar source for hummingbirds, attracts birds and butterflies.
Is Cardinal flower deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Cardinal flower is deer-resistant, tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Is Cardinal flower toxic?
All parts toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, exhaustion/weakness, pupil dilation, convulsions, coma. Toxic compounds: alkaloids lobelamine, lobeline, and others, plus volatile oil.
Where can I buy real Cardinal flower seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Lobelia cardinalis on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Cardinal flower.
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Cutleaf coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata
- Foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis
- Sweet Joe-Pye Eutrochium purpureum
- Common elderberry Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.