great lobelia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowBotanical / Gardening / Informal Nature Description
Quick answer
What does “great lobelia” mean?
A tall perennial herbaceous plant with blue or purple flower spikes, scientifically named Lobelia siphilitica.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tall perennial herbaceous plant with blue or purple flower spikes, scientifically named Lobelia siphilitica.
A common name for a specific North American wildflower in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), often found in wet habitats.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The plant is native to North America, so the term is more common in American English. In British English, it would be known primarily by gardeners and botanists.
Connotations
In American English, it may evoke native wildflower meadows and conservation. In British English, it's more likely a specialist horticultural term.
Frequency
Used very infrequently in general British discourse; low frequency but more recognizable in American naturalist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “great lobelia” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] great lobelia [VERB]Great lobelia [VERB] in/along [LOCATION]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in niche horticultural trade.
Academic
Used in botanical, ecological, and horticultural papers.
Everyday
Used by gardeners, hikers, and nature enthusiasts describing flora.
Technical
The binomial nomenclature 'Lobelia siphilitica' is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great lobelia”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great lobelia”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great lobelia”
- Capitalising 'great' as part of a formal name (it's usually not), confusing it with other lobelia species like cardinal flower.
- Using 'great lobelia' as an adjective phrase (e.g., 'a great lobelia day').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not as common as bedding lobelias, but it is grown in native plant and wildflower gardens, particularly in North America.
Rarely. It is almost exclusively a literal term for the plant.
The 'great' refers to its stature; it is one of the taller lobelia species, often reaching over a metre in height.
Its scientific name is Lobelia siphilitica.
A tall perennial herbaceous plant with blue or purple flower spikes, scientifically named Lobelia siphilitica.
Great lobelia is usually botanical / gardening / informal nature description in register.
Great lobelia: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ləˈbiːlɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt loʊˈbiliə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GREAT big, blue LOBELIA, like a floral trumpet section in a meadow orchestra.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NATURAL SPIRE (emphasising its tall, vertical flower spike).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the term 'great lobelia'?