Indian tobacco
ExplorePlants
Indian tobacco
Lobelia inflata
Indian tobacco is a special plant with beautiful blue flowers. It grows in fields and has a unique shape that makes it stand out in nature. Some people use it for medicine, but it’s important to be careful with it!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Indian tobacco has a slender, upright stem covered in fine hairs, reaching up to three feet tall. It features small, pale blue to violet-white flowers that grow in a leafy spike, and distinctive inflated, round seed capsules after blooming.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyCampanulaceaeGenusLobelia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its name "Indian tobacco" comes from Native Americans who used its leaves in ceremonies.
Its tiny flowers are so small, you'd need to look closely to see their delicate beauty!
Some people call it "pukeweed" because eating it can make you feel very sick!
The plant contains a chemical called lobeline, which is similar to nicotine in tobacco plants!
Special abilities
Ability
Puffed-Up Seedpods
Indian tobacco has unique inflated seed capsules that help its tiny seeds travel further when wind blows them away.
Ability
Chemical Defense Shield
Indian tobacco can produce a special chemical called lobeline that makes it taste bad to most animals, keeping them safe.
Ability
Sticky Hair Barrier
Indian tobacco has fine, sticky hairs all over its stem and leaves, which can deter small insects from crawling on it.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-90 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to early Fall (July-October)
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- High
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
These busy bees collect nectar and pollen from its tiny flowers.
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Bombus impatiens
Bumblebees are important visitors, helping spread its pollen.
pollinates
Sweat Bee
Halictus ligatus
Smaller sweat bees also contribute to the plant's pollination.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Tube Flower
A tube flower has petals fused together at the base, forming a distinct tubular structure that typically holds nectar deep within.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Toxic
Toxic organisms contain substances that are poisonous and can cause adverse effects upon exposure.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Do not touch or eat any plants without asking an adult first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Indian tobacco?
30-90 cm
How wide does Indian tobacco spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Indian tobacco?
0.5-1 cm
When does Indian tobacco bloom?
Summer to early Fall (July-October)
Is Indian tobacco edible?
No
Is Indian tobacco toxic?
High
What is Indian tobacco's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Indian tobacco pollinated?
Insect
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