Short-lived but charming, pale spiked lobelia rises to just over two feet with a single slender stem topped by a loose spike of small light blue to white flowers. It is a plant of meadows, thickets, and dry sandy ground from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States, comfortable in conditions that would stress many of its moisture-loving relatives. The narrow basal leaves and erect habit give it a spare, architectural quality among summer wildflowers.

Full or partial sun suits it well, and it adapts to moist through slightly dry soils as long as they are reasonably fertile. Young seedlings need consistent moisture to establish, but the mature plant is more forgiving. It is worth noting that the leaves and stems contain a milky latex toxic to small mammals. Hummingbirds visit the flowers. The plant may flop if over-watered or over-fertilized, so a light touch with nutrients keeps it upright.