Cardinal FlowerCardinal Flower is an upright native herbaceous perennial with erect stalks of cardinal red tubular flowers that bloom late in summer above the dark green lance shaped leaves. Prefers afternoon shade and moist to wet well drained soil. Foliage is highly toxic if ingested. Lobelia cardinalis acts as a native host for several species of butterflies, and the nectar as a food source for hummingbirds and Swallowtail Butterflies. Type: Perennial Origins: