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Native Plant Database

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Pedicularis canadensis (Canadian lousewort)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Pedicularis canadensis L.

Canadian lousewort, Wood betony

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

USDA Symbol: PECA

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A hairy plant with tubular, 2-lipped flowers, all red, all yellow, or yellow and red in a short, dense, terminal cluster.

These low, semi-parasitic plants get some of their nourishment from the roots of other plants. The flower color and the finely cut foliage are distinctive. The genus name, from the Latin pediculus (a louse), and the common name Lousewort, refer to the misconception once held by farmers that cattle and sheep become infested with lice when grazing on the plants. Swamp Lousewort (P. lanceolata), with many opposite leaves on a stem 12-36 (30-90 cm) tall, has light yellow flowers and usually occurs in wet meadows with limestone soil. Furbishs Lousewort (P. furbishiae), is similar, but with finely cut alternate leaves; it is found on the banks of the St. John River in New Brunswick and in northern Maine, where it is classified as an endangered species.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf: Gray-Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CO , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: MB , NB , ON , QC
Native Distribution: Manitoba to Quebec; south through c. Maine to Florida; west to Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas; north to Minnesota.
Native Habitat: Woods and clearings.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Conditions Comments: These low, semi-parasitic plants get some of their nourishment from the roots of other plants. (Niering)

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Bibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

From the Archive

Wildflower Newsletter 1993 VOL. 10, NO.3 - Miss Helen Hayes Memorial, Director's Report, Monarda Medicinal Mints of Distinc...

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Pedicularis canadensis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Pedicularis canadensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pedicularis canadensis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-10-03
Research By: TWC Staff

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