cardinal flower

noun

: a North American lobelia (Lobelia cardinalis) that bears a spike of brilliant red flowers

Examples of cardinal flower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cardinal Flower Phillips says the vibrant red tubular blooms of cardinal flowers provide both a habitat and nectar for hummingbirds from the late summer to early fall. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2025 Despite their name, cardinal flowers do not attract the eponymous bird, instead their cardinal red blooms draw in scores of hummingbirds and butterflies. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2024 Fifty varieties of plants are available for purchase, including four milkweed varieties, several grasses, native purple coneflower, cardinal flower, great blue lobelia, meadow blazing star, New England aster, prairie smoke, wild columbine and wild lupine. Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2024 Notable blooms include the spring ephemerals — trillium, lady slipper orchids, crested dwarf iris, columbine, bleeding heart, and violets, to name a few — and the summer arrival of red cardinal flowers, purple-fringed orchids, and black-eyed Susans. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024 Some of the best plants for attracting and feeding hummingbirds are bee balm, salvia, coralbells, columbine, cardinal flower, coral honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and Indian pink. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2023 During the summer, cardinal flower, composites and other wildflowers give the river a colorful look. Rex Nelson, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2022 For example, the Rain Garden mix will include such species as blue flag iris, purple coneflower, cardinal flower and New England astor. Peter Krouse, cleveland, 2 Mar. 2022 Ruby-throated hummingbirds usually feed on the nectar of red or orange tubular flowers such as trumpet creeper, cardinal flower, honeysuckle, bee-balm, and jewelweed, according to the Cornell website. BostonGlobe.com, 17 June 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cardinal flower was in 1698

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Cite this Entry

“Cardinal flower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cardinal%20flower. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

cardinal flower

noun
: a North American plant that bears brilliant red flowers

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