Plant society names cardinal flower 2012 Delaware Native Plant of the Year
The 2012 winner for Delaware Native Plant of the Year is the cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis).
This beautiful native herb is found growing in swamps and freshwater marshes throughout Delaware. It thrives in moist and wet soil. It often grows on hummocks along with swamp rose (Rosa palustris), sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) and fetterbush (Leucothoe racemosa).
The cardinal flower’s brilliant spike of red flowers attracts and is pollinated by ruby-throated hummingbirds and makes a wonderful addition to a moist location in a home landscape.
The winning plant species will be featured at DNPS events during the year. It was the featured door prize at the annual meeting held May 12, and it will be a featured plant at the annual native plant sale Saturday, Nov. 3, at the society’s plant nursery at the St. Jones Reserve in Dover.
For more information, contact DNPS President John Harrod at John@delawarenaturesociety.org.
