By Suzanne Wodek
Indian Tobacco. Lobelia inflata. Anne Holmes, artist
Lobelia inflata, also known as Indian tobacco or puke weed, is not a true tobacco but rather a Lobelia. It is an annual that completes its life cycle during one season, but will re-seed. The nectar of the small, pale, white-purple flowers with a yellowish base attracts small bees, mainly Halictid bees. The foliage is highly toxic and avoided by mammalian herbivores, including white-tailed deer. The tiny seeds appear to be of little interest to birds. Lobelia fares well in a variety of soil conditions and can thrive even in part shade in a loamy, rich soil.
Lobelia inflata has a long use as a medicinal plant by the Cherokee for respiratory and muscle disorders and as a ceremonial medicine. The foliage was burned as a natural insecticide. Although it may be used medicinally, consuming Lobelia causes adverse effects, which may include sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, convulsions, hypothermia, coma or, possibly, death. The root is toxic and can be fatal if eaten.
Upcoming Events
Fall Plant Sale
Saturday, September 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Botanical Gardens and numerous local plant vendors will offer a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers for fall planting. BGA members will get a 10 percent discount on BGA-grown plants that we sell at the gazebo. As always, this event will take place rain or shine. The Botanical Gardens receives no city, state or federal funds. Instead, we receive our funding exclusively through memberships, donations, gift shop sales and the fall and spring plant sales. Free admission and parking onsite or nearby.
Botanical Gardens, located at 151 W.T. Weaver Boulevard. is a nonprofit organization housing a collection of plants native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated and membership is encouraged. Membership benefits include a discount of 10 percent on purchases in the Gift Shop; an extensive collection of gardening and nature books in the Cole Library that members can check out (reference collection, not included); our quarterly New Leaf newsletter; and programs at a reduced rate. Gardens Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find out more at AshevilleBotanicalGardens.org or by calling 828.252.5190.By
