Scientific Name
Lobelia spp.
Common Name
Lobelia, Cardinal flower, Blue cardinal flower, Indian tobacco

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Campanulaceae
Plant Description
Erect, annual or perennial herbs; leaves alternate, simple; flowers white, scarlet, or blue, 5-parted, tubular and irregular-shaped with 2 lips; fruit a capsule.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Forest or natural area, in moist woods and fields, edge of streams; landscape, in flower gardens, cultivated herbaceous annuals and perennials.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, exhaustion and weakness, dilation of pupils, convulsions, and coma.
Toxic Principle
Alkaloids lobelamine, lobeline, and others, plus a volatile oil.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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