Great Blue Lobelia

Aronia melanocarpa

Plant Characteristics:

• Duration: Perennial 
• Habit: herb 
• Size class: 1-3 ft. 
• Native Habitat: Open, wet woods; stream banks; marshes; meadows 
• Bloom time: July-October

Growing Conditions 

• Light:
  • Sun, partial shade, shade
• Soil:
  • Moisture: moist, wet 
  • Drought tolerance: low
  • Description: Clay, loam, sand
• Condition comments:
  • Not at all drought tolerant, keep soil moist, watering if necessary in average soil conditions

Benefits:

• Conspicuous flowers 
• Attracts birds and hummingbirds 
• Specific value to native bees and bumblebees

Drawbacks: 

• POISONOUS PARTS: All part toxic if eaten in large quantities
  • Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salvation, exhaustion and weakness, dilation of pupils, convulsions, and coma
  • DO NOT INGEST