Elephanthead Lousewort

(Pedicularis groenlandica)

Elephanthead Lousewort (Pedicularis groenlandica)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Pedicularis groenlandica, commonly known as Elephanthead Lousewort, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist meadows, streambanks, and alpine areas in Western North America, including the Rocky Mountains and parts of the Canadian North. It typically grows to a height of 80 centimeters (31 inches) and features a stout stem with sharply-toothed, fernlike leaves clustered at the base. The plant is notable for its large, dense inflorescence of bright pink to purple flowers, occasionally white, blooming from late spring to midsummer. Each flower has a unique shape with a long, pointed beak curving upward, resembling an elephant’s trunk, while the lateral lobes suggest an elephant’s ears, making it a conversation piece in gardens.

Elephanthead Lousewort thrives in consistently moist conditions and is often found in wetlands or near water sources. It is valued for its unique flower shape and vibrant color, adding interest to water gardens, bog gardens, and naturalized areas. It requires full sun to part shade and prefers soils with medium drainage. While it is a root parasite, it is not aggressive and coexists well with many other moisture-loving plants. Gardeners should be aware that it may require additional watering during dry periods to maintain its preferred habitat conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.6-1.3 feet
  • Width: 1-2.6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple, Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Moist meadows, streambanks, and alpine areas in Western North America

Other Names

Common Names: Greenland Lousewort, Butterfly Tongue, Bull Elephant’s-Head, Elephant’s-Head, Elephant’s-Head Lousewort, Little Red Elephants, Long-Beaked Pedicularis, Pink Elephants, Pédiculaire Du Groenland, Elephant’s Head

Scientific Names: , Pedicularis groenlandica, Pedicularis groenlandica var. surrecta, Pedicularis groenlandica subsp. surrecta, Elephantella groenlandica, Pedicularis surrecta, Pedicularis groenlandica f. pallida, Pedicularis groenlandica subsp. groenlandica, Elephantella groendlandica, Elephantella groenlandica var. surrecta

GBIF Accepted Name: Pedicularis groenlandica Retz.