About Lobelia puberula Michx.
Downy lobelia, known scientifically as Lobelia puberula Michx., is a perennial herb that reaches a maximum height of 2.5 feet, or 1 meter. Its leaves are simple and have toothed margins. The plant produces blue to violet five-lobed flowers, which bloom from July through October. In the Eastern United States, Lobelia puberula resembles two other Lobelia species: Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco) and Lobelia siphilitica (great lobelia). All three of these species share two common traits: a characteristic lip-shaped petal near the flower opening, and milky liquid that the plant excretes.
