Pale-Spiked Lobelia

lobelia spicata

The Pale-Spiked Lobelia (Lobelia spicata) is a delicate, upright perennial wildflower native to the grasslands, prairies, and open woodlands of North America. Standing on slender, unbranched stems, this charming plant produces a tight, spike-like cluster of small, pale blue to white blossoms during the warmth of mid-summer. It is a subtle yet vital member of its local ecosystem, drawing in various native bees with its nectar. Unlike some of its moisture-loving relatives, the Pale-Spiked Lobelia is remarkably adaptable, often flourishing in drier, sandy, or rocky soils where other plants might struggle. Its presence is a classic indicator of high-quality native prairie and savanna remnants. Spot a Pale-Spiked Lobelia? Identify it instantly with the Snappit nature app.

Habitat: Typically found in open prairies, savannas, limestone glades, meadows, and along grassy roadsides with dry to moist, well-draining soils.

Appearance

This slender wildflower typically grows 30 to 100 centimeters tall, featuring light green, unbranched stems that are sometimes slightly hairy near the base. The leaves are alternate, lance-shaped to obovate, and gradually shrink in size as they ascend the stem. The defining feature is the terminal spike-like raceme, densely packed with tubular, two-lipped flowers. Each flower is small, about 1 centimeter long, ranging in color from pale lavender-blue to pure white. The lower lip of the corolla is deeply three-lobed, often featuring faint white or greenish-yellow markings near the throat that serve as nectar guides for visiting insects.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyCampanulaceaeGenusLobelia

Pale-Spiked Lobelia

Interesting facts

Despite its delicate appearance, the plant contains lobeline, an alkaloid chemically similar to nicotine that has been studied for its physiological effects.

Historically, various Native American tribes utilized preparations of the roots and leaves of this plant for traditional herbal remedies.

The scientific name 'spicata' refers to the spike-like arrangement of its delicate flowers.

Special abilities

Produces a toxic milky latex sap containing lobeline, which effectively deters generalist mammalian herbivores from feeding on its foliage.

Flowers mature sequentially from the bottom of the spike upward, lengthening the flowering season and increasing chances of successful cross-pollination.

Produces thousands of microscopic, dust-like seeds per capsule that are easily dispersed to new colonization sites by wind and rainwater.

Measurements & details

Length: 30-100 cm
Lifespan: 2-5 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, it manufactures organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water utilizing solar energy, drawing essential mineral nutrients through its root system.

Age differences: Germinating seeds rely on stored endosperm nutrients before developing roots and photosynthetic cotyledons to sustain self-sufficient growth.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon Dioxide
Soil Minerals

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

mutualism

American Bumblebee

Bombus pensylvanicus

Serves as a primary pollinator, visiting the small tubular flowers to harvest nectar.

mutualism

Small Carpenter Bee

Ceratina dupla

Visits the pale blossoms for pollen and nectar, aiding in the plant's sexual reproduction.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Pale-Spiked Lobelia?

The easiest way to identify Pale-Spiked Lobelia is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Pale-Spiked Lobelia?

30-100 cm

How long does Pale-Spiked Lobelia live?

2-5 years

What does Pale-Spiked Lobelia eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, it manufactures organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water utilizing solar energy, drawing essential mineral nutrients through its root system.

Where is Pale-Spiked Lobelia usually found?

Typically found in open prairies, savannas, limestone glades, meadows, and along grassy roadsides with dry to moist, well-draining soils.

How does Pale-Spiked Lobelia hunt?

Photosynthesis