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Lobelia species

 

CARDINAL FLOWER - Lobelia cardinalis

CARDINAL FLOWER CARDINAL FLOWER
(67K) (47K)

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PALE SPIKE LOBELIA - Lobelia spicata

PALE SPIKE LOBELIA PALE SPIKE LOBELIA
(46K) (29K)

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BLUE CARDINAL FLOWER - Lobelia syphilitica

BLUE CARDINAL FLOWER
(55K)

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Images on this page contributed by:  Ann F. Rhodes, PhD, Director of the Pennsylvania Flora Project

DescriptionLobelias are herbs, annual or perennial plants, that grow to 3-4 feet tall.  Leaves are alternate. Flowers range from scarlet to light blue.
Geographic rangeLobelias thrive in moist, fertile soil in most of the southern United States.
Toxic principlePyridine alkaloids similar to nicotine are found within the plant.  Lobeline is common to most species.
ToxicityPoisonous to cattle, sheep, and goats, lobelia also affects humans.  Intoxication usually occurs in late winter to early spring.  In sheep, a dose of 0.6 - 2.2% body weight may cause development of clinical signs within one to two days and death in three to nine days.  
Mechanism of toxicologic damageLobeline stimulates the carotid body, decreasing heart rate and often causing arrhythmias.
Diagnosis

Clinical signsClinical signs include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and dilated pupils.  Corneal and oral ulceration may be seen.  Coma and death, possibly due to cardiopulmonary arrest, has been seen.

Laboratory Diagnosis During the first several hours of intoxication, marked elevation of serum hepatic enzyme activity (AP, AST) may be seen.

LesionsBrain and lung congestion, splotchy hemorrhages, and excess reddish peritoneal fluid may be found.  Ulceration of the mucosa of the rumen and abomasum may be extensive.

TreatmentNo specific treatment.  Atropine may relieve some of the signs. Mineral oil and saline laxatives, if given soon after ingestion, may decrease absorption of the toxins.
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Copyright © 2002

University of Pennsylvania
Created by:    Alexander Chan (2003), Daphne Downs (2002), Chris Tsai (2001), Brett Begley (2000), Janet Triplett (1997)
Faculty Advisor:  Dr. Robert Poppenga