Family: Campanulaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco, pukeweed) is native to eastern North America, with a range extending from eastern Canada through the north-central and eastern United States. It is a small, upright annual or sometimes biennial herb that typically grows in open fields, roadsides, and disturbed sites. The plant produces delicate light-green foliage and small pale blue to violet flowers, followed by inflated seed capsules that give the species its name. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine by Indigenous peoples and later herbal practices, most notably for respiratory conditions, and it contains alkaloids such as lobeline that have been studied for pharmacological effects.
Risks & Threats
Although Lobelia inflata is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern, and which could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. The species produces abundant small seeds that can be easily dispersed, and it is adapted to colonize disturbed habitats, which may allow it to establish in vulnerable areas if introduced. In addition, its toxic compounds can pose risks to livestock, wildlife, and human health if misused or consumed inappropriately. Given these characteristics, caution is warranted, and choosing a low risk or native alternative is recommended when suitable options are available.
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability (5 hardiness zones)
- Naturalized in Japan
- Generally regarded as a weed or weedy within native range
- Related Lobelia species have become invasive
- Toxic to animals and people
- Self-compatible
- Able to reach maturity in one year (annual)
- Seeds dispersed by wind, internally by animals and intentionally by people
- Forms a persistent seed bank
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Medicinal value
- Not known to spread vegetatively
