Definition

Noun: * A species of flowering plant: Lobelia siphilitica is a tall, erect, leafy perennial herb native to eastern North America. It is characterized by its dense spikes of blue flowers.

Usage

• is commonly known as the great blue lobelia.
• This plant thrives in moist, partially shaded habitats like stream banks and wet meadows.
• The specific epithet "" originates from a historical, erroneous belief that the plant could be used to treat syphilis.

Examples

• The wetland garden was brightened by the vibrant blue spikes of .
• Botanists study for its ecological role in native plant communities.
• A cluster of provides a valuable late-summer nectar source for hummingbirds and bees.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical nomenclature, follows the binomial (genus and species) naming system established by Carl Linnaeus.
• The plant is sometimes used in rain gardens and naturalized landscaping for its tolerance of wet conditions and its striking floral display.

Variants and Related Words

• Great blue lobelia: The most common common name for this species.
• Blue cardinal flower: Another common name, though this can cause confusion with the related (red cardinal flower).
• Genus Lobelia: The taxonomic genus to which this species belongs, containing many other herbaceous plants.

Synonyms

• Great blue lobelia
• Blue cardinal flower

Related Terms

• Perennial: A plant that lives for more than two years.
• Spike: A type of flower cluster where stalkless flowers are arranged along a central stem.
• Native plant: A species that occurs naturally in a particular region without human introduction.

Noun

1. tall erect and very leafy perennial herb of eastern North America having dense spikes of blue flowers