Scientific Family
Campanulaceae
Other common names
mountain lobelia
southwestern blue lobelia
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
To 30 inches
Riparian
Yes
Erect, usually simple branched; sometimes sparsely hairy stems at the base forb; leaves alternate on stems, narrow to somewhat widened; loose, terminal clusters of 10 to many flowers.
Usually 1 slender, erect stem topped with a few sparse, deep blue-violet, bilaterally symmetrical flowers in an elongated stem; flowers are strongly 2-lipped. Leaves narrow to somewhat oblong. Sometimes sparsely hairy at the base of stems.
Habitat
Marshy meadows and along stream banks.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
5500
High elevation
9000
Flower Characteristics
Deep lavender; 2 smaller upper lobes, crossed, 3 larger flaring lower lobes; to 3/4 inch wide and long, with 10 or more flowers on a slender erect stem.
Flower color
Blue to purple
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Lance-shaped to linear, toothed, to 3 inches long.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
Stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Capsule