Great Blue Lobelia

Description:

Showy, bright blue flowers are in the axils of leafy bracts and form an elongated cluster on a leafy stem. Each flower is split into two lips – the upper lip has two segments and the lower lip has three. The unfortunate species name, siphilitica, is based on the fact that it was a supposed cure for syphilis.

Habitat:

USA: AL , AR , CO , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV , WY Canada: NB , NS , ON Native Distribution: CT to extreme s.e. ND & Goshen Co., WY, s. to GA uplands, TX & CO Native Habitat: Open, wet woods; stream banks; marshes; meadows

Notes:

Spotted in the Cohutta Wilderness Area