Locally common in wet sites; prairie depressions, borders of prairie streams, moist thickets and moist open woodlands. Large leaves for the size of the plant (up to 7 inches). Brilliant red flowers bloom from mid-June to September. Grows 2 to 3 feet tall.

Native Americans made a tea from the roots to ease the pain of stomachaches and to treat typhoid and worms. The root tea was also an ingredient in "love potions". A tea made from the leaves of L. cardinalis was used for colds, croup, nosebleeds, fevers, headaches and rheumatism. The leaf tea was once thought to be a nerve tonic as well. It is a potentially toxic plant.

Edible Uses: Unknown

Medicinal Uses: Emetic, expectorant and nervine.

The root is analgesic, anthelmintic, antispasmodic and stomachic. A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of epilepsy, syphilis, typhoid, stomach aches, cramps, worms etc. A poultice of the roots has been applied to sores that are hard to heal. The leaves are analgesic and febrifuge. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of croup, nosebleeds, colds, fevers, headaches etc. A poultice of the leaves has been applied to the head to relieve the pain of headaches].

This species is considered to have similar medicinal activity to L. inflata, but in a milder form. It was seldom if ever used. The plant is used to make a homeopathic remedy. The report does not say which part of the plant is used, nor what it treats.

Herbal Uses: Unknown