Long-beaked yellow lousewort (Pedicularis tuberosa, Sp. Pl.: 610 (1753))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 610 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pedicularis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Pyrenees, Alps, Appennini

Description

The Long-beaked yellow lousewort, scientifically known as Pedicularis tuberosa, is a captivating perennial that dwells predominantly in the mountainous regions of Europe. First documented in 1753 by renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this species is an integral member of the Orobanchaceae family, which comprises hemiparasitic plants.

Pedicularis tuberosa is distinguished by its striking appearance. As its name suggests, it features elongated, beak-like yellow flowers that radiate a delicate beauty amidst the rugged terrain of its natural habitat. The long-beaked yellow lousewort thrives particularly in the Pyrenees, the Alps, and the Apennine Mountains, regions known for their diverse and rich ecological systems.

These plants are not just visually appealing; they are also fascinating from a botanical perspective. Their hemiparasitic nature means they derive some of their nutrients by attaching to and parasitizing the roots of nearby plants. This adaptive strategy allows them to thrive in the nutrient-poor soils typically found in high-altitude environments.

Pedicularis tuberosa exhibits tuberous roots, a characteristic that is not only reflected in its scientific nomenclature but also aids in its survival and propagation in harsh climatic conditions. These tubers store vital nutrients and water, giving the plant an edge during periods of drought or poor soil fertility.

In addition to their botanical interest, plants like the long-beaked yellow lousewort play a critical role in their ecosystems. By interacting with a variety of flora and fauna, they contribute to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the alpine and montane regions they inhabit.

Thus, Pedicularis tuberosa is not only a subject of scientific study but also an emblematic representative of the delicate interconnections within our planet’s high-altitude flower communities. Its presence in some of Europe’s most iconic mountain ranges underscores the importance of preserving these habitats for future generations to study and admire.

Common Names

En: Long-beaked Yellow lousewort
Nl: Knolkartelblad
Fr: Pédiculaire tubéreuse
De: Knolliges Läusekraut
It: Pedicolare zolfina
: Long-beaked yellow lousewort

Synonyms

• Pedicularis adscendens (Hoppe & Sternb.)
• Pedicularis sumana (Pollini)
• Pedicularis uncinata (Poir.)
• Pedicularis morasii (Gortani & M.Gortani ex Fiori)
• Pedicularis tuberosa var. minor (Gaudin)
• Pedicularis flavissima (Gand.)

Distribution

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

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2020 by Christoph Stoll (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Benjamin Aehling (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2019 by furs (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 13, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Paul Henrich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2018 by Christophe Lo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7436512)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:807764-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pedicularis tuberosa L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 2