cardinal flower

noun

1. a North American plant, Lobelia cardinalis, with showy red tubular flowers in an elongated cluster.

cardinal flower

noun

1. a campanulaceous plant, Lobelia cardinalis of E North America, that has brilliant scarlet, pink, or white flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardinal flower¹

An Americanism dating back to 1620–30; so called from its color

Example Sentences

Among the plants that attract hummingbirds are bleeding hearts, cardinal flower, impatiens and petunias.

From Seattle Times

The entrance to the house is defined by an arched tunnel supporting kiwi vines, cardinal flowers and a hardy passionflower.

From Washington Post

The clearing has allowed native species such as cardinal flower and Canada anemone to grow back.

From Washington Times

Weaner lives on a one-third-acre plot in suburban Philadelphia and has nurtured desired seedlings as they have emerged, from drifts of cardinal flowers and golden ragwort.

From Washington Post

On a sultry afternoon recently, Regina Myer, president of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, walked past profusions of swamp milkweed, rose mallows and cardinal flowers.

From New York Times