Native cardinal flower has been growing along streams and ponds throughout the south since the last ice age ended—some 13,000 years ago, but its name is much newer, although its provenance isn't native, or even American.
In 1620, the water-loving perennial was transported to Europe where it was cherished. Sometime around 1629, the hot red flower received its descriptive moniker, probably because of the similarity in color to the hats worn by Roman Catholic Cardinals.
Hummingbirds love it too.
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