Pale Spiked Lobelia –Lobelia spicata

$5.00

Pale Spiked Lobelia flowers attract many different native bees, small butterflies, and skippers. While not as showy as the other Lobelias, Pale Spiked Lobelia has better resistance to dry conditions after becoming established (illinoiswildflower.info). The leaves and stems contain a watery white latex that is toxic, making them unpalatable to most mammalian herbivores.

Photo credit: Joshua Mayer

Pale Spiked Lobelia flowers attract many different native bees, small butterflies, and skippers. While not as showy as the other Lobelias, Pale Spiked Lobelia has better resistance to dry conditions after becoming established (illinoiswildflower.info). The leaves and stems contain a watery white latex that is toxic, making them unpalatable to most mammalian herbivores.

Photo credit: Joshua Mayer

Life Cycle: Perennial

Sun Exposure: Full, Partial sun

Soil Moisture: Medium-wet, Medium-Dry

Height: 2 feet

Plant Spacing: 12-18 inches

Bloom Time: May-August

Bloom Color: Purple

Advantages: Deer Resistant, Great Landscaping Plant

Host Plant: 6 species of butterflies and moths use Lobelia as a caterpillar host plant in my area (nwf.org). Most likely the same as the other Lobelias, but I have not found anything specifically pertaining to this species.

You Might Also Like