Canadian Lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis)

Canadian Lousewort

(Pedicularis canadensis)

Canadian Lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis)

Eric Hunt

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Eric Hunt

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Eric Hunt | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Eric in SF | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Pedicularis_canadensis_Arkansas.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description= ;Name :''[[:w:en:Pelargonium graveolens|Pelargonium graveolens]]'' ;Family :[[:w:en:Geraniaceae|Geraniaceae]] * {{en|Rose Geranium}} * {{ja|ローズ[[:w:ja:ゼラニウム|ゼラニウム]]}} [[Pelargonium graveolens|The ga |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Pedicularis canadensis, commonly known as Canadian Lousewort, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, meadows, and prairie ecosystems in the Eastern and Central USA. It typically grows to 30 cm (12 in) tall and is characterized by its long, soft, hairy leaves which are many and basal, tufted from the roots, and deeply incised and toothed. These leaves can reach lengths of 12 to 36 cm (4.7 to 14.2 in) and may exhibit a reddish-purple hue under sunlight. Canadian Lousewort blooms from spring to early summer, between April and June, producing a broad whorl of tubular, hooded flowers atop a segmented stalk. The flowers are showy, ranging in color from greenish-yellow to purplish-red, and are clustered on short, dense spikes. They are primarily pollinated by bumblebees.

This plant is valued for its unique flowering spikes and foliage, which can add texture and color to woodland gardens and naturalized areas. It is used in cultivation for border planting, native plant gardens, and as a ground cover. Canadian Lousewort prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun, and it requires medium amounts of water with well-drained soil. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can occasionally suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions. It is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a safe choice for most gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
Height: 1-1.5 feet
Width: 0.5-1 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow, Red
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, meadows, and prairie ecosystems in the Eastern and Central USA

Other Names

Common Names: Canada Lousewort, Canada Wood Betony, Wood Betony, Common Lousewort, Early Lousewort, Pédiculaire Du Canada

Scientific Names: , Pedicularis canadensis, Pedicularis canadensis subsp. canadensis, Pedicularis canadensis subsp. fluviatilis, Pedicularis canadensis f. praeclara, Pedicularis canadensis var. dobbsii, Pedicularis aequinoctialis, Pedicularis fluviatilis, Pedicularis canadensis f. bicolor, Pedicularis canadensis var. fluviatilis

GBIF Accepted Name: Pedicularis canadensis L.