Pale Spiked Lobelia –Lobelia spicata
Pale Spiked Lobelia flowers attract many different native bees, small butterflies, and skippers. While not as showy as the other Lobelias, Pale Spiked Lobelia has better resistance to dry conditions after becoming established (illinoiswildflower.info). The leaves and stems contain a watery white latex that is toxic, making them unpalatable to most mammalian herbivores.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Pale Spiked Lobelia flowers attract many different native bees, small butterflies, and skippers. While not as showy as the other Lobelias, Pale Spiked Lobelia has better resistance to dry conditions after becoming established (illinoiswildflower.info). The leaves and stems contain a watery white latex that is toxic, making them unpalatable to most mammalian herbivores.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Pale Spiked Lobelia flowers attract many different native bees, small butterflies, and skippers. While not as showy as the other Lobelias, Pale Spiked Lobelia has better resistance to dry conditions after becoming established (illinoiswildflower.info). The leaves and stems contain a watery white latex that is toxic, making them unpalatable to most mammalian herbivores.
Photo credit: Joshua Mayer
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial sun
Soil Moisture: Medium-wet, Medium-Dry
Height: 2 feet
Plant Spacing: 12-18 inches
Bloom Time: May-August
Bloom Color: Purple
Advantages: Deer Resistant, Great Landscaping Plant
Host Plant: 6 species of butterflies and moths use Lobelia as a caterpillar host plant in my area (nwf.org). Most likely the same as the other Lobelias, but I have not found anything specifically pertaining to this species.
