Another “lifer” wildflower I photographed at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center (Blue Springs, Missouri) is the Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), sometimes called the Great Lobelia. Interestingly, this was a single plant growing along the roadside. Standing between 5′-6″ tall, it was loaded with spectacular blue flowers, and quite a few buds. Here are a few of my favorite images:
An interesting fact about the Blue Lobelia is that the plant contains a narcotic poison and was formerly used in medicine. Also, the species name “siphilitica” comes from Europe, where an extract was thought to be a remedy for the venereal disease syphillus.
Photographic Equipment Used:
- Canon 5D Mark 3 body
- Canon EF180mm, f/3.5 macro lens
- Bogen 3221 tripod with Graff Studioball SB-QR ballhead
- ISO 800
- Aperture f/3.5
- Shutter 1/60 sec.