Lobelia spicata - Pale-spiked Lobelia

Sizes available: HPP quart

Basics: zone 4-8, 1-3' x 12", full to part sun to light shade, white to very pale lavender in late spring to early summer, medium wet to medium dry, rocky or gravely soils okay, drought tolerant (compared with other lobelias)

Common names: Pale-spiked Lobelia

Family: Campanulaceae

Origin/Distribution: Occurs in 38 states and 4 Canadian Provinces, native to Maine.

Habitat: prairie, savanna, open woods, meadow, field, often sandy soils on the dry side

More: The leaves and roots have been used medicinally. This plant is of unknown toxicity, however, other lobelias are toxic, so proceed with caution. This would be pretty planted with grasses like Little Bluestem, and Eryngiums. Short-lived perennial that will re-seed if happy. Three variants of this plant occur in Maine - a testament to its ability to adapt to a specific locale. More information coming soon.

Source: sown at Honey Petal Plants with seed from Hayefield Seeds

Image credits: Wikimediia Commons