Leafy lousewort (Pedicularis foliosa, Mant. pl. 1:86. 1767)

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Mant. pl. 1:86. 1767

Year: 1767

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pedicularis

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. Spain to SC. Europe and S. Italy

Description

Leafy lousewort, scientifically known as Pedicularis foliosa, is an intriguing perennial that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. First described by L. in the Mantissa Plantarum in 1767, this species captures the interest of botanists and gardening enthusiasts alike with its unique characteristics and distribution.

Characterized by its vibrant foliage and distinctive inflorescences, leafy lousewort thrives in specific European locales, ranging from northern Spain across to southeastern Europe and down to southern Italy. This broad geographical spread showcases its adaptability to various terrains and climates, making it a fascinating subject of study in plant ecology.

The plant is recognized for its leafy, somewhat serrated foliage that forms a lush green base. During its blooming phase, leafy lousewort produces tall spikes of colorful flowers. These blossoms are not only visually appealing but also play a critical role in local ecosystems, particularly in attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Being a member of the Orobanchaceae family, leafy lousewort is part of a group known for hemiparasitic activities. This means while it can perform photosynthesis, it often relies on drawing nutrients from the roots of nearby plants, establishing a complex balance in its natural habitat. This unique adaptation aids its survival in nutrient-poor soils and contributes to its resilience.

In essence, leafy lousewort serves as a beautiful yet functional component of the flora in the regions it inhabits. Its ability to thrive across a range of European climates and its specialized parasitic nature underscore the intricate relationships within plant communities. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in gardens, Pedicularis foliosa remains a testament to the diversity and adaptability of plant life.

Common Names

Deu: durchblättertes läusekraut, reichblättriges läusekraut, vielblättriges läusekraut
Nor: tusselys
En: Leafy Lousewort
Nl: Pluimkartelblad
Fr: Pédiculaire feuillée
De: Beblättertes Läusekraut, Durchblättertes Läusekraut, Reichblättriges Läusekraut, Vielblättriges Läusekraut, Blattreiches Läusekraut
It: Pedicolare fronzuta
No: Tusselys
Es: Gallaritos

Synonyms

• Pedicularis carpatica (Andrae)
• Pedicularis jurana (Steininger)
• Pedicularis spica-foliosa (Jacq.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by Sylvain Delépine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2018 by marlies schneider (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2022 by Giacomo Bencini (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 9, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2020 by Kabilan Nadarajah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Noel Benson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2022 by Erik Ketting (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 29, 2020 by Luque carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:807073-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3724054)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pedicularis foliosa L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 3