cardinal flower specialize structure
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cardinal flower specialize structure
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Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis L.)
By Larry Stritch
Cardinal flower is a brilliant scarlet-colored native wildflower that grows in marshes, stream banks and low woods. Its extremely showy blossoms can be recognized at considerable distance. Few native plants have flowers of such intense color as this common herbaceous perennial. The Cardinal flower is a member of the Bluebell Family. It was named after the Flemish botanist, Matthias de L'Obel (1538-1616).
The blossoms are delicate, gradually opening from bottom to top on two to four foot spikes. Five petals are united into a two-lipped corolla. The lower lip has three very prominent lobes; the upper lip has two small ones. Five stamens are joined forming a red tube around the style and are topped by bearded anthers which form a mustache-looking brush. Cardinal Flower blooms in late summer (July to September