Brook Lobelia.Lobelia Kalmii.
Found on moist ground in limestone soil, blossoming in July and August.
The erect, minutely angular stem, is slender, smooth and polished, fine and at the same time strong in fibre; in color a light grass-green.
The small, narrow and grass-like leaf is about an inch long; towards the root it broadens a little at the tip; color grass-green. The growth is alternate.
The corolla of the small, irregular flower is in 2 divisions, the upper one with 2 narrow, upright parts, between which the stamens show; the lower one with 3 broad equal lobes; the color varies from deep lavender to light, and from a bluish to a pinkish tone, the lower division is marked with a broad white wedge-shaped spot near the throat. The small calyx has 5 thread-like divisions, green, tinged with lavender. From 3 to 4 flowers blossom at once on the top of the stem.
This little Lobelia flourishes especially in the limestone regions of the Green Mountains. It grows in communities among the short grass, beside some wayside spring or runlet; the flowers, all facing in the same direction, appear as though turned to greet the wayfarer. It is a plant of delicate finish and color, with a lithe and graceful gesture.