Family: Orobanchaceae
Author: Schleicher ex Gaudin
Bibliography: L.J.Murith, Guide Bot.: 83 (1810)
Year: 1810
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pedicularis
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. & WC. Alps
Description
The Ascending Lousewort, scientifically known as Pedicularis ascendens, is a fascinating plant within the family Orobanchaceae. First extensively documented by botanist L.J. Murith in 1810 in the work Guide Bot. (page 83), this species was later described in greater detail by Schleicher and Gaudin.
Native to the southwestern and west-central Alps, these geographical regions provide the ideal habitats for the Ascending Lousewort’s growth and proliferation. This plant is notable for its upright growth habit, which distinguishes it from many of its shorter, more ground-hugging relatives within the Orobanchaceae family. It typically thrives in alpine and subalpine meadows, adding a splash of subtle beauty to these rugged landscapes.
Given the plant’s specific native range, conservationists and botanists might find it an interesting subject for studying the effects of climate change on alpine flora. The Ascending Lousewort’s specialized habitat makes it an excellent indicator species for the health of alpine ecosystems.
In addition to its ecological value, the Ascending Lousewort holds aesthetic appeal due to its unique floral structure. Like other members of its genus, it features intricate, often brightly colored flowers that are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators, thereby playing a crucial role in the local biodiversity.
Overall, Pedicularis ascendens is more than just a botanical curiosity. It represents a vital component of the alpine ecological tapestry and continues to capture the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, centuries after its initial documentation.
Common Names
En: Ascending Lousewort
Fr: Pédiculaire ascendante, Pédiculaire de Barrelier, Pédiculaire élevée
De: Aufsteigendes Läusekraut
It: Pedicolare di Barrelier
: Ascending lousewort
Synonyms
- Pedicularis barrelieri (Rchb.)
- Pedicularis gaudinii (Arv.-Touv.)
Distribution
- France (native)
- Italy (native)
- Switzerland (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 3, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Marcin Janus (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8344557)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60458211-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pedicularis ascendens Schleich. ex Gaudin)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 5.0
Ph minimum: 4.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 1
