Indian-Tobacco
(Lobelia inflata)
Indian-Tobacco (Lobelia inflata)
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Reuven Martin
Public Domain
Image By:
Reuven Martin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Reuven Martin | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Reuven Martin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-08-10T16:05:28-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Lobelia inflata, commonly known as Indian-Tobacco, is an annual or biennial herb that is native to open woodlands, fields, and disturbed areas in the Eastern United States and Eastern Canada. It typically grows to a height of 15–100 cm (5.9–39.4 in) and features stems that are covered in tiny hairs. The plant is characterized by its small, violet flowers with yellow-tinted interiors, which bloom from mid-summer to fall, adding a subtle splash of color to the landscape. The flowers are not particularly showy but are interesting upon close inspection.
Indian-Tobacco is valued for its historical use in herbal medicine, though it should be used with caution due to its toxic properties. It is often grown in cottage gardens and naturalized areas where its ability to self-seed can be advantageous. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have adequate drainage. While it is not demanding in terms of water, consistent moisture will support more robust growth. Indian-Tobacco can be propagated by cuttings or seed, with seeds typically sown in containers in mid-spring or mid-fall and germinating within two weeks. Gardeners should be aware that Lobelia inflata can become weedy and spread aggressively if not managed properly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Indian-Tobacco is valued for its historical use in herbal medicine, though it should be used with caution due to its toxic properties. It is often grown in cottage gardens and naturalized areas where its ability to self-seed can be advantageous. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they have adequate drainage. While it is not demanding in terms of water, consistent moisture will support more robust growth. Indian-Tobacco can be propagated by cuttings or seed, with seeds typically sown in containers in mid-spring or mid-fall and germinating within two weeks. Gardeners should be aware that Lobelia inflata can become weedy and spread aggressively if not managed properly.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-2.5 feet
- Width: 0.2-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Blue, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, fields, and disturbed areas
Other Names
Common Names: Puke Weed, Indianer-Tabak, Lobelie, Indianischer Tabak, Hierba Del Asma, Tabaco Indio, Tabac Indien, Lobélie Enflée, Blaaslobelia, Tabaco-Indiano
Scientific Names: , Lobelia inflata, Lobelia michauxii, Dortmanna inflata, Dortmannia inflata, Lobelia inflata f. albiflora, Lobelia inflata var. simplex, Rapuntium inflatum, Rapuntium michauxii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Lobelia inflata L.