Inflated Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

Usually growing as a single stalk, occasionally branching near the top. The stalk staying low, at perhaps 6 inches, or growing to 2 1/2 feet tall with alternate leaves.

The bitter plant is noxious and is avoided by mammalian herbivores and is even avoided by White-tailed Deer. Humans also need to avoid eating the plant.

The flowers bloom in a variety of soft colors, pale blue, pale violet, and pale pale almost white-purple, most having just a hint of yellow-green just inside the flower. Each flower is tiny, measuring just 1/4 inch to 1/3 inch long.

At the bottom of each flower there is a calyx having 5 long spreading spikes. As the flower begins to wilt the calyx will begin to swell. It becomes a seed capsule 1/3 inch in width. The seed capsule is divided into 2 cells which contain many very small seeds that are distributed by the wind.

Though really small, I enjoy having this plant volunteer in my gardens. After all what could be better than a plant that is avoided by White-tailed Deer.

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