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Lobelia inflata

Keep soil moist for seeds. Plant outside in the fall, otherwise two months of cold damp storage (refrigerated in damp sand) before planting is normally required to break the dormancy of these seeds, but one month may work. Seeds are super small and need light to break dormancy and germinate. For indoors, sprinkle stratification treated seeds in a container (pot or flat) and water from the bottom. Seed should not be covered after sowing. For outdoor beds, sow cold stored seeds on level soil. Cover with a single layer of burlap or cotton sheet and don’t let soil dry out until seedlings are established. Remove cover after germination. Shading with a window screen above them the first season will help prevent drying.

Indigenous to North America, found in pastures, meadows and cultivated fields of eastern US as far west as Arkansas and Nebraska.

Native Americans have been known to use dried lobelia leaves for smoking for medicinal purposes including aid in asthma, bronchitis, sore throats and coughs. It has been coined as "Indian Tobacco"

Medicinal Use: The plant's properties are known to help induce vomiting. It is an anti-spasmodic, expectorant and a respiratory stimulant. WARNING: The lobelia plant has alkaloids and because of this it can be toxic.