“Cardinal Flower, Perfectly Paired with Hummingbirds”

“Cardinal Flower is named for its beautiful scarlet red flowers which are an important nectar source for hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. Lobelias produce a secondary compound known as “lobeline,” which deters herbivores. The flowering spikes open from the bottom to the top and bloom for several weeks. They grow best in moist, rich soils in full sun to partial shade. Cardinal flower is a showy plant great for the garden or wetland planting.  Parent plants will not persist for more than a few years, but it is a prolific self-seeder and fast grower. Allowing the seeds to make good seed to soil contact will give the opportuntiy for the plant colony to continually replenish itself with new offspring. Its blossoms also make excellent cut flowers.”

(Source: Prairie Moon Nursery, based in Winona, MN)

Pollination Facts:

• Cardinal flower illustrates the beauty of co-evolution and ‘pollinator syndrome.” Hummingbirds’ beaks are perfectly shaped to probe deep into the tubular, red flowers, while their heads are dusted with pollen from the anthers.

• Hummingbirds are drawn to bright red, orange, and pink flowers
• Also pollinated by butterflies, especially Swallowtails
• Flowers at the base open first (acting in their female phase), while top flowers shed pollen (acting in their male phase), forcing cross-pollination between different blooms and plants

Who is in this piece?

This piece features Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds and a Black Swallowtail butterfly nectaring.