The vibrant and rich cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) grows to up to three feet tall and features bright red lipped flowers during late summer. Cardinal flower is a rare plant within Red Rock Canyon (due to our arid environment) and can only be found near wetter areas, such as First Creek, Pine Creek, and La Madre Spring. Hummingbirds dip their beaks into the tubular flower for nectar and are the main pollinators of this plant. This perennial gets its name from the similar in color flashy red robes that Roman Catholic cardinals wear during ceremonies.

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