About Lobelia kalmii L.
Lobelia kalmii L. is a small perennial herb, typically growing 10 to 40 cm tall. It inhabits wet environments including bogs, wet meadows, rocky shorelines, and wet alvars, growing in calcareous soil or cracks between limestone rocks. This species produces blue flowers with a white center, each flower measuring around 1 cm across. It has thin upper leaves and spatulate-shaped basal leaves. Its flowering period begins in July and continues through September. While other Lobelia species are grown as ornamental plants, the small flowers of Lobelia kalmii have not made it popular with most growers. It can still be obtained via seed exchanges among native plant enthusiasts. Its hardy growth habit can lead to large scattered populations of this plant growing in downspout rock gardens, and it attracts hummingbirds. Native Americans used Lobelia species to treat respiratory and muscle disorders, and as a purgative. The species most commonly used in modern herbalism is Lobelia inflata, also known as Indian Tobacco.
