Family: Orobanchaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Mant. Pl.: 86 (1767)
Year: 1767
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pedicularis
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. Canada to Mexico
Description
Common lousewort, a distinctive and fascinating plant, goes by the scientific name Pedicularis canadensis. This species, first described in Mant. Pl.: 86 (1767) by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus (indicated by the author abbreviation ‘L.’), belongs to the family Orobanchaceae, a group known for its largely parasitic members.
Geographically, Common lousewort exhibits a broad distribution, thriving in diverse habitats from Canada, especially in the central and eastern regions, extending southward into Mexico. This wide range suggests a high degree of adaptability to varying ecological conditions.
Adaptation is apparent in its hemiparasitic lifestyle. While capable of photosynthesis like typical green plants, it supplements its nutritional intake by attaching to the roots of surrounding plants, extracting water and essential nutrients. This dual approach enables it to survive in nutrient-poor soils where other plants might struggle.
The appearance of Common lousewort is marked by its unique flowering structure. The plant typically bears clusters of tubular flowers varying in color from pale yellow to greenish-purple, often appearing in early spring to late summer. These floriferous spikes not only provide visual interest but also play a crucial role in the reproductive cycle, attracting a range of pollinators, which is vital for cross-pollination and genetic diversity.
Additionally, the foliage of Pedicularis canadensis is distinguished by its fern-like, pinnately divided leaves that add to the plant’s ornamental appeal. These leaves, coupled with the flower spikes, contribute to the aesthetic charm of natural landscapes, where Common lousewort is often found mingling with other wildflowers.
In summary, Pedicularis canadensis, or Common lousewort, is a remarkable species within the Orobanchaceae family, notable for its wide geographical range from Canada to Mexico, its hemiparasitic nature, and its distinctive floral and foliar characteristics. Its adaptability and ecological interactions make it a plant of interest both for botanists and nature enthusiasts.
Common Names
Eng: betony, canadian lousewort, common lousewort, early lousewort, wood betony, canada lousewort, canadian wood betony, canada wood betony
Fra: pédiculaire du canada
En: Common lousewort, Early lousewort, Wood betony, Betony, Canadian lousewort, Canada lousewort, Canadian wood betony, Canada wood betony
Fr: Pédiculaire du Canada
De: Kanadisches Läusekraut
Oj: Mandaamini-ojibikens
Synonyms
- Pedicularis canadensis f. typica (Farw.)
- Pedicularis canadensis f. albescens (Steyerm.)
- Pedicularis canadensis var. dobbsii (Fernald)
- Pedicularis canadensis f. bicolor (Farw.)
- Enslenia bibracteata (Raf.)
- Pedicularis canadensis subsp. fluviatilis ((A.Heller) W.A.Weber)
- Pedicularis canadensis f. flava (Farw.)
- Pedicularis gladiata (Michx.)
- Pedicularis canadensis var. fluviatilis ((A.Heller) J.F.Macbr.)
- Pedicularis canadensis f. praeclara (A.H.Moore)
- Pedicularis canadensis var. gladiata ((Michx.) Alph.Wood)
- Pedicularis aequinoctialis (Kunth)
- Nelensia bibracteata ((Raf.) Poir.)
- Pedicularis fluviatilis (A.Heller)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken May 22, 2020 by Mackenzie Thayer (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2021 by Bill McKnight (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2020 by lynn Roper (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2021 by Mathew Luebke (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2021 by erinhines (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 10, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2016 by EOL − jenny (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 19, 2020 by Mark Halvorson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Emily de Grace (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2021 by Mindy Shook (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 23, 2014 by EOL − April Byrge (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 13, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 13, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 20, 2014 by EOL − Royal Tyler (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2014 by EOL − rachyrach (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Jul 10, 2019 by Vincent Amanda (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 10, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2009 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 6, 2005 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:806885-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171674)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pedicularis canadensis L.)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Stem
Growth habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Growth rate: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 4.0