cardinal flower

American  

noun

1. a North American plant, Lobelia cardinalis, with showy red tubular flowers in an elongated cluster.

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cardinal flower British  

noun

1. a campanulaceous plant, Lobelia cardinalis of E North America, that has brilliant scarlet, pink, or white flowers

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Etymology

Origin of cardinal flower

An Americanism dating back to 1620–30; so called from its color

Example Sentences

Yet in color it is as rich an orange as the petal of the cardinal flower is a rich scarlet.

From Under the Maples by Burroughs, John

Muriel Blake's golden curls, and azure eyes, and roseate bloom flashed on the eye much as does a cardinal flower in a wayside brook.

From Boston Neighbours In Town and Out by Poor, Agnes Blake

The prostrate trunks of a number of great trees lay half submerged in lily-choked pools, beside which stalks of the brilliant cardinal flower flamed by day in the green dimness.

From Followers of the Trail by Stecher, William F. (William Frederick)

It took a long time to pass quite round, and before this was accomplished, her footsteps were arrested by a splendid cardinal flower, that grow within the shadow of the wall.

From Janet's Love and Service by Robertson, Margaret M. (Margaret Murray)

It is a splendid show of brilliant scarlet, the color of the cardinal flower and surpasses it in mass and profusion.

From Woodcraft or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good by Douglas, Alan