Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)

from $5.00

Lobelia siphilitica, commonly known as Great Blue Lobelia, is a native perennial wildflower found in wet prairies, streambanks, swamps, and moist woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to wet soils and prefers partial shade, making it an ideal choice for rain gardens, wetland edges, and pollinator plantings.

This striking plant typically grows 1 to 4 feet tall and features toothed, lance-shaped leaves on upright stems. From late summer into fall, it produces tall spikes of vibrant blue to violet-blue, tubular flowers with two upper and three lower petal lobes. The showy blooms are especially attractive to bumblebees, which are strong enough to access the deep floral tubes, as well as butterflies and hummingbirds.

For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Lobelia siphilitica is a beautiful and ecologically valuable addition to moist garden areas and native restorations. It provides late-season color and nectar, supporting a variety of pollinators when many other wildflowers have finished blooming. It pairs well with other moisture-loving natives such as Cardinal Flower, Swamp Milkweed, and Joe-Pye Weed to create a dynamic and wildlife-friendly display.

Size:

Lobelia siphilitica, commonly known as Great Blue Lobelia, is a native perennial wildflower found in wet prairies, streambanks, swamps, and moist woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in medium to wet soils and prefers partial shade, making it an ideal choice for rain gardens, wetland edges, and pollinator plantings.

This striking plant typically grows 1 to 4 feet tall and features toothed, lance-shaped leaves on upright stems. From late summer into fall, it produces tall spikes of vibrant blue to violet-blue, tubular flowers with two upper and three lower petal lobes. The showy blooms are especially attractive to bumblebees, which are strong enough to access the deep floral tubes, as well as butterflies and hummingbirds.

For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Lobelia siphilitica is a beautiful and ecologically valuable addition to moist garden areas and native restorations. It provides late-season color and nectar, supporting a variety of pollinators when many other wildflowers have finished blooming. It pairs well with other moisture-loving natives such as Cardinal Flower, Swamp Milkweed, and Joe-Pye Weed to create a dynamic and wildlife-friendly display.

Bloom: late summer to early fall

Habitats: bottoms of sandstone canyons along streams; ditches; fens; floodplain and bottomland woodlands; gravelly seeps and springs; low areas along rivers and ponds; moist areas of pastures; moist black soil prairies; soggy meadows near rivers; swamps; woodland borders

Lifespan: perennial

Moisture: wet to moist

Plant type (height): forb (1 to 4 feet)

Requirements: partial sun (full sun and light shade are tolerated)

Soil: fertile loam