Different Indian Tobacco Plants

Vibrant Accent Plant

• Lobelia cardinalis is an erect herbaceous perennial that grows up to 3 feet in height. Despite its preferred wet, swampy habit, it has been bred into a successful ornamental plant. Lobelia is popular for its exquisite carnelian racemes, each bearing 20 to 40 deep-lobed blossoms. The leaves are 12 inches long and 3 inches wide, and are lanceolate with a toothed margin. Lobelia cardinalis is an excellent attractor of hummingbirds, and is the preferred species for adding bursts of color to shadier garden sections. Most popular varieties of Indian tobacco are simply cultivars of this parent species.

Long-Lasting Creeper

• Lobelia erinus is a prostrate or spreading herbaceous perennial or cool-temperate-zone annual. It grows just 4 to 8 inches tall, producing copious amounts of intense blue-purple blossoms in loose panicles. Each corolla is five-lobed and approximately 1 inch in diameter, blooming from mid-spring to early fall. Several varietals have been bred for white, red, dark blue and pink colors. The height, color variety, and extended bloom of Lobelia erinus makes it an excellent alternative to the common creeping phlox. Lobelia chinensis, while not as vibrant as L. erinus, is a useful prostrate creeper, as well.

Ethnomedical Species

• Lobelia inflata is the archetypal Indian tobacco plant. It was historically used as an inebriant by the Penobscot people, where it was smoked much like tobacco. It is widespread as an annual wildflower in New England. Its flowers are small, violet-blue and widely-spaced, blooming from the months of July to October. Its leaves are unusually broad, and the seed pods are swollen and ball-like. The height of the plant varies widely, from 6 to 30 inches in height. Lobelia inflata grows readily from seed casting and reliably self-seeds, requiring two weeks for germination. While not a popular landscaping plant, Lobelia inflata remains one of the most powerful herbs in the naturopathic pharmacopia. It is most commonly used to induce vomiting, treat acute asthma attacks and prevent muscle spasms.

Rare Native

• Lobelia siphilitica is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 3 feet in height. Like Lobelia cardinalis, it is raceme and has a damp, swampy habit. Its raceme bears only a few blossoms; however, and blooms only from August to October. Although it is a perennial, it has a lifespan of just three or four years. Due to an internal membrane in the blossom, it requires insects for even pollination. Unfortunately, wild populations of this beautiful Indian tobacco have been diminishing for years. Cultivation of this plant helps to preserve the germplasm of this beautiful native species. Lobelia niihauensis is incredibly rare, as well; consequently, the Hawaiian native cannot be legally cultivated by the lay gardener.