Lobelia
Lobelia inflata
PLANT NAME
Lobelia
COMMON NAMES
Indian tobacco, puke weed, asthma weed
BOTANICAL NAME
Lobelia inflata
IDENTIFICATION
An annual or biennial herbaceous plant native to eastern North America. It has an erect, hairy stem, ovate leaves, and small pale blue or violet two-lipped flowers.
IDENTIFICATION IMAGE
AI ART TO BE GENERATED
PARTS TRADITIONALLY USED
Above-ground parts (aerial parts).
CULINARY USES
None. The plant is toxic in high doses.
TRADITIONAL USES
Historically used as an emetic (to induce vomiting) and as a strong antispasmodic for respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Used by Native Americans as a tobacco substitute.
GROWING / HARVESTING
Grows in open woods, meadows, and disturbed soils. Harvested in late summer to autumn when the plant is flowering and forming seed pods.
SAFETY / CAUTION
Potentially toxic. Can cause severe vomiting, nausea, sweating, and even coma or death in large doses. Should only be used under the strict supervision of a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor.
RELATED PLANTS
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica).