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Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis

Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)

Description: This plant is also sometimes called Red Valerian. This perennial stands erect and may reach a height of a little over a foot. The flowers are red and tubular.

Habitat: Found in many areas of the desert southwest , usually near water, between 1200 and 5500 feet in elevation.

Flowering Season: Flowers form from August through October.

Comments: These specimens were found in Surprise Canyon in August of 2007 about one quarter of a mile below Limekiln Springs.

DeDecker lists this plant as found in a few sites in the Inyo and Panamint mountains. Interestingly most other plant books covering the Mojave Desert and Great Basin region do not list this flower at all!

The Jepson Desert Manual notes that this plant is "seriously TOXIC, especially when used as a home remedy."

	Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis `Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)` Description: This plant is also sometimes called Red Valerian. This perennial stands erect and may reach a height of a little over a foot. The flowers are red and tubular. Habitat: Found in many areas of the desert southwest , usually near water, between 1200 and 5500 feet in elevation. Flowering Season: Flowers form from August through October. Comments: These specimens were found in Surprise Canyon in August of 2007 about one quarter of a mile below Limekiln Springs. DeDecker lists this plant as found in a few sites in the Inyo and Panamint mountains. Interestingly most other plant books covering the Mojave Desert and Great Basin region do not list this flower at all! The Jepson Desert Manual notes that this plant is "seriously TOXIC, especially when used as a home remedy."