Lobelia anceps
angled lobelia
Coastal southern Australia and New Zealand
Overview
Lobelia anceps is a small spreading perennial herb 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) tall and 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) wide, with flattened or winged angled stems that root where they touch moist ground to form loose mats. The leaves are narrow to spoon-shaped, 0.6-2.4 inches (1.5-6 cm) long, with shallowly toothed margins. Small two-lipped flowers about 0.3-0.5 inch (8-12 mm) long appear over much of the year, pale blue to mauve with a paler throat, the lower lip spread into three lobes. Small capsules follow and release tiny seed. Native to coastal southern Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America, it grows in damp sandy ground, dune swales, the margins of salt marshes, and seepage lines, tolerating salt and brief flooding. It needs steady moisture and is short-lived in dry soil. Like other lobelias, the sap contains alkaloids that can irritate skin and are toxic if eaten.
Native Range
Native to coastal regions of southern Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and southern South America, where it grows in damp sandy soils, dune swales, salt marsh margins, and seepage areas.Suggested Uses
Planted at pond, bog, and stream margins, in damp swales, and in coastal native gardens with reliable moisture. Its long flowering draws small native bees and other insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread8" - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale blue to mauveFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight