Kalm's Lobelia

Lobelia kalmii

Kalm's Lobelia is a beautiful flower that blooms in bright blue colors. It loves to grow near water and can be found in wetlands. This flower is a favorite for butterflies and bees!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Kalm's Lobelia has slender, upright stems dotted with delicate, tubular flowers, typically a striking bright blue to lavender. Its small, narrow leaves are scattered along the stem, often growing in a charming cluster. The two-lipped flowers resemble tiny open mouths, making it visually distinct.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyCampanulaceaeGenusLobelia

Kalm's Lobelia

Interesting facts

Despite its delicate look, this tough plant thrives in very wet, muddy places!

Finding this plant often means you've discovered a very healthy, thriving wetland!

Its tiny seeds are so light, they can float on water or fly with the wind!

This plant thrives where the water is extra rich in important minerals!

Special abilities

Kalm's Lobelia can thrive in waterlogged, muddy soil because it has roots adapted to wet, marshy conditions.

Kalm's Lobelia has bright blue flowers that act as a visual signal, attracting various bees for pollination.

Kalm's Lobelia produces many tiny seeds that can float on water or be carried by wind to new wet habitats.

Measurements & details

Height: 10-50 cm
Spread: 10-20 cm
Flower Size: 1-1.5 cm
Bloom Season: Late summer to fall
Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Bombus impatiens

Visits flowers to collect nectar and pollen

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen from the blooms

pollinates

Green Metallic Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum viridatum

Forages on its flowers for pollen and nectar

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Summer Blooming

Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.

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.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.