Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia)

Lobelia siphilitica, commonly known as great blue lobelia, is a striking late-season flower native to soggy areas. It produces tall, upright spikes densely packed with deep blue-violet to lighter periwinkle tubular flowers from late summer into fall. This lobelia provides bold, upright color, and is easy to grow in moist to wet soils.

Great blue lobelia commonly found along streams, ditches, in floodplain fields, and at woodland edges, where it thrives in sun or light shade. Its clumping growth habit makes it well-suited for rain gardens, wet meadows, and naturalistic plantings. It will tolerate average garden moisture assuming it has some protection from full sun, and has been given time to establish itself before the heat of summer. They are not drought tolerant and need a little moisture.

This species provides nectar for bumblebees and other long-tongued native bees, which are the primary pollinators capable of navigating its deep corollas. It also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, adding diversity to its pollinator interactions.

With its showy flowers, Lobelia siphilitica is a favorite for native gardens and restoration projects that emphasize both beauty and habitat value.