Sierra Madre Lobelia

(Lobelia laxiflora)

Sierra Madre Lobelia (Lobelia laxiflora)

Stan Shebs

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Stan Shebs

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Lobelia laxiflora, commonly known as Sierra Madre Lobelia, is an evergreen perennial subshrub or herb native to the pine-oak woodlands and forest edges in the highlands of Central America and Mexico down to Colombia. It typically grows up to about 1.5 meters in height but can reach up to 3 meters under optimal conditions. The leaves of Lobelia laxiflora are variable in shape, size, and texture, adding to the plant’s ornamental value. The tubular flowers, which may exceed 6 centimeters in length, are most commonly a fiery red hue, occasionally exhibiting yellowish tones, and bloom from late spring to early fall. The flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, which are the main pollinators of this species. After flowering, the plant produces seeds and can also propagate vegetatively through its underground runners.

Lobelia laxiflora is valued for its vibrant flowers and ability to attract wildlife, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to create a hummingbird garden. It is often used in border plantings, as a specimen plant, or in naturalized areas. This plant is drought-tolerant, requiring low amounts of water once established, and it thrives in well-drained soils with a preference for full sun to part shade conditions. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that in some areas, it may spread aggressively through its runners.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 4-6 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Yellow, Red, Orange
Flowering Season: Fall
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to the pine-oak woodlands and forest edges in the highlands of Central America and Mexico down to Colombia

Other Names

Common Names: Mexican Lobelia, Mexican Cardinalflower, Looseflowers Lobelia, Drooping Lobelia

Scientific Names: , Lobelia laxiflora, Lobelia laxiflora var. laxiflora, Siphocampylus warscewiczii, Dortmanna laxiflora, Dortmannia concolor, Dortmannia laxiflora, Lobelia floribunda, Lobelia persicifolia var. warscewiczii, Rapuntium laxiflorum

GBIF Accepted Name: Lobelia laxiflora Kunth