[From its scarlet color, like that of a cardinal’s robe or hat. (In F. cardinale rouge; also cardinale bleue.)] The Scarlet Lobelia (L. cardinalis), a native of North America, cultivated for the splendor of its blossoms. b. Blue cardinal-flower: (rare) for L. syphilitica.
1698. Petiver, in Phil. Trans., XX. 405. American Scarlet Cardinal-Flower.
1767. J. Abercrombie, Ev. Man his own Gard. (1803), 233. Perennials and biennials of the fibrous rooted tribe … crimson cardinal flower.
1831. J. Davies, Manual Mat. Med., 241. Blue Lobelia, or Blue Cardinal Flower. Lobelia syphilitica.
1868. B. J. Lossing, Hudson, 9. Upon its banks the splendid Cardinal flower … glowing like a flame, was seen in many a nook.
