Indian Tobacco, Asthma Weed, Bladderpod, Gagroot, Pukeweed

Lobelia inflata

low-BEE-lee-a  in-FLAY-tuh

Synonyms of Lobelia inflata (6) (Updated on 12-11-23 from Plants of the World Online):  Dortmanna inflata (L.) Kuntze, Lobelia inflata f. albiflora Moldenke, Lobelia inflata var. simplex Millsp., Lobelia michauxii Nutt., Rapuntium inflatum (L.) Mill., Rapuntium michauxii (Nutt.) C.Presl

Lobelia inflata L. is the accepted scientific name for this species of Lobelia. It was named and described as such by Carl von Linnaeus in the second volume of the first edition of Species Plantarum in 1753.

The genus, Lobelia Plum. ex L., was described by Mr. Linnaeus in the second volume of the first edition of Species Plantarum. Mr. Linnaeus gave credit to Charles Plumier for naming the genus.

As of 12-11-23 when this page was last updated, Plants of the World Online lists 441 accepted species in the Lobelia genus. The genus is a member of the plant family Campanulaceae with 94 genera. Those numbers could change as updates are made on POWO.

The above distribution map for Lobelia inflata of North America is from the USDA Plants Database. The map on Plants of the World Online is slightly different and includes the species being introduced in Japan. It does not show it is found in British Columbia in Canada. The species could be more widespread than the maps show and found only in limited areas… No map is perfect. 

The map on iNaturalist shows where members have made observations. Anyone can join and it is a great website to confirm and share your observations. The maps in iNaturalist are continually updated as members post new observations. 

THERE ARE SEVERAL LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR FURTHER READING AND TO HELP WITH A BETTER POSITIVE ID.

I noticed this wildflower growing at the edge of the southeast pasture on July 29, 2019. I used to graze the southeast pasture but I have used it for hay for the past few years. You would be surprised at the number of wildflowers I have observed since no cows are eating them. The southeast corner of the farm is kind of swampy so it was fenced off by my dad several years ago. After the hay was cut in July, I was able to explore and take wildflower photos. I noticed only a few of these plants that turned out to be Lobelia inflata. Common names include Indian Tobacco, Asthma Weed, Bladderpod (or Bladderpod Lobelia), Gagroot, Pukeweed, and probably others.

Lobelia inflata is an annual wildflower that typically grows up to 2 1/2-3 feet tall. You can read information from the links below to get “technical” ID information but I will give it to you in layman’s terms.

The species name comes from the inflated seed pods as shown in the above photo.

Multiple flowers are loosely arranged within the inflorescence on the top of the plant’s stems. The weird thing is, the flowers are twisted on their pedicles (flower stalk) making them upside down (resupinate). So, the lower three petals are actually the top… Hmmm… The flowers are whitish with kind of a bluish tint.

The leaves are oblong-elliptic to elliptic, ovate, or obovate, tapered at the base depending on where they are on the plant. The margins are mostly sort of scalloped or bluntly toothed. The leaves are covered with fine hairs. The upper leaves are sessile (lacking a petiole) while the lower leaves may have short, winged petioles (stem between the main stem and base of the leaf).

The stems are quite hairy, especially toward the base, while the upper portion appears hairless (where the flowers are)

While this plant grows erect, it may lay down on the job (ascending). The lower portion of the stem is unbranched but moderately so toward the top. Leaves grow alternately along the stems.

Although these plants flowers are very small, it packs an interesting medicinal history. Wikipedia says it was used by several Native American tribes to treat muscle and respiratory disorders, as a purgative, and as a ceremonial medicine. The leaves were burned by the Cherokee to smoke out gnats. It is still used in medicine today but it can have adverse side effects such as sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, convulsions, hypothermia, coma, and possibly death. Possibly? The plant contains 52 different alkaloid compounds, most importantly lobeline.

The Lobelia inflata is a neat plant I hope to see more of. When you only find a few you never know if it will spread or not. It is weird I never saw it before 2019, but if you saw the location I found it in you would understand why…

The farm I live on is located in Windsor, Missouri in Pettis County. Henry County is across the street and Benton and Johnson Counties are just a few miles away. This species is found in many counties in Missouri and can be found in bottomland forests to dry upland forests, banks of streams and ponds, pastures, fields, along railroads and roadsides, moist disturbed areas, and gardens.

I have enjoyed photographing and learning about the many wildflowers growing on the farm and other areas in west-central Missouri. I have grown over 500 different plants and identified over 250 wildflowers (most have pages listed on the right side of the blog). I am not an expert, botanist, or horticulturalist. I just like growing, photographing, and writing about my experience. I rely on several websites for ID and a horticulturalist I contact if I cannot figure them out. Wildflowers can be somewhat variable from location to location, so sometimes it gets a bit confusing. If you see I have made an error, please let me know so I can correct what I have written.

I hope you found this page useful and be sure to check the links below for more information. They were written by experts and provide much more information. Some sites may not be up-to-date but they are always a work in progress. If you can, I would appreciate it if you would click on the “Like” below and leave a comment. It helps us bloggers stay motivated. You can also send an email to me at thebelmontrooster@yahoo.com. I would enjoy hearing from you especially if you notice something is a bit whacky.

FOR FURTHER READING:
PLANTS OF THE WORLD ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
INTERNATIONAL PLANT NAMES INDEX (GENUS/SPECIES)
TROPICOS (GENUS/SPECIES)
FLORA OF MISSOURI (GENUS/SPECIES)
WORLD FLORA ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
WIKIPEDIA (GENUS/SPECIES)
DAVE’S GARDEN
MISSOURI PLANTS
iNATURALIST
WILDFLOWER SEARCH
USDA PLANTS DATABASE
ILLINOIS WILDFLOWERS
MINNESOTA WILDFLOWERS
LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER
KANSAS WILDFLOWERS AND GRASSES
PFAF (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE)
GO BOTANY
FLORA FINDER
FLORA OF WISCONSIN

NOTE: The data (figures, maps, accepted names, etc.) may not match on these websites. It depends on when and how they make updates and when their sources make updates. Some websites have hundreds and even many thousands of species to keep up with. Accepted scientific names change periodically and it can be hard to keep with as well. Some of the links may use a name that is a synonym on other sites. In my opinion, Plants of the World Online by Kew is one of the most reliable and up-to-date plant databases and they make updates regularly. I make updates “at least” once a year and when I write new pages or add new photos but I do get behind. We are all a work in progress. 🙂