Lobelia erinus
Edging lobelia
(c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas · licence
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Lobelia erinus (Edging lobelia) is a non-native California herb in the Campanulaceae family.
Edging lobelia is a naturalized perennial herb found in southern California, specifically San Diego County, in disturbed areas at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering in April, this plant produces blue flowers with a corolla tube 6 to 10 millimeters long and distinctive anther characteristics. Growing with decumbent to sprawling light green stems 8 to 25 centimeters long and less than 4 millimeters in diameter, it spreads across the ground in a delicate manner. Its stems feature a low, spreading growth habit with glabrous flowers that have a notable upper sinus larger than the lateral sinuses. The plant's compact form and vivid blue blossoms make it a distinctive non-native species in disturbed ecological settings.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 0 sympatric species; geographically isolated in South Coast region
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas
Elevation: < 50 m
Outside California: Sudan to Somalia, South Africa
Bloom period
Lobelia erinus blooms Apr.
How to tell it apart
vs Penstemon: Lobelia has spherical seed pods; Penstemon has elongated capsules that split lengthwise.; vs Cuphea: Lobelia flowers have 5 petals in irregular shape; Cuphea has tubular flowers with 6 petals.; vs Salvia: Lobelia has spherical capsules; Salvia has 4 small nutlets at flower base.; vs Keckiella: Lobelia has spherical seed pods; Keckiella has flattened capsules.; vs Viola: Lobelia has tubular two-lipped flowers; Viola has 5-petaled flowers with a distinct lower spur.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lobelia erinus native to California?
No. Lobelia erinus is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Lobelia erinus bloom?
Lobelia erinus blooms Apr.
What plant family does Lobelia erinus belong to?
Lobelia erinus is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Lobelia.
What habitat does Lobelia erinus grow in?
Lobelia erinus grows in Disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.