Blue Lobelia

Member of Bell-flower Family

Blooms: August - October

This is the first one of these I have found in two and 1/2 years of searching for wildflowers. It was quite striking and the butterflies were all over it. It is particularly loved by the Fritillaries, which are fall butterflies.

The Blue Lobelia grows to about 3 feet and has blue-purple flowers that bloom all up its stout and thick stalk. It is classified as a perennial herb. It is found in 48 of the United States.

As for this plants medicinal uses, it has been called the "panacea" because it was used for almost every kind of ailment. It contains Lobeline, which stimulates the respiratory part of the brain which causes very strong and deep breathing. Native Americans used it to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping cough and pneumonia. It was also used as a stimulant. The Lobelia seed has a much higher concentrate of this chemical which was used in anti-smoking drugs. Some tribes used it for snakebite and to induce vomiting. A poultice of the roots was used to treat pleurisy, rheumatism, whiplash injury, boils and sores that were hard to heal.

Other tribes of Native Americans believed a drink from this plant would cure spells cast on their people by witch doctors. Teas were made to cure tobacco and whiskey addictions. They also ground and powdered the roots to make a love potient.

Here again, I am amazed that such a beautiful little plant out in the woods could be used for so many medicinal purposes. And then again, how did they know how to use it.....all a mystery we probably will never know.

If you will scroll down a few pictures you will see the beautiful Great Spangled Fritillary Butterfly feeding on this plant.

"The spirit of GOD hath made me, and the breath of the ALMIGHTY hath given me life."

Job 33:4

Click on the picture to get a better look at the beautiful flowers of this plant. (Remember, the template has changed, click once, when picture comes up, click again for full screen.)