Categories: Orobanchaceae

Lousewort (Pedicularis sylvatica, Sp. Pl.: 607 (1753))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 607 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pedicularis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

Lousewort is a distinctive and fascinating plant, scientifically known as Pedicularis sylvatica. It was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” (Sp. Pl.: 607) published in 1753. This particular species is indigenous to Europe, where it can often be found thriving in a variety of habitats ranging from moist meadows to heathlands and boggy areas.

Belonging to the family Orobanchaceae, lousewort is a hemiparasitic plant, which means it partly relies on other plants for nutrients while also performing photosynthesis. This allows it to survive and flourish in nutrient-poor environments where other plants might struggle.

Lousewort is a perennial herb that typically grows to a modest height of about 10 to 30 centimeters. Its delicate blooms appear in the spring and early summer, showcasing a range of colors from pale pink to deep magenta. The flowers are intricately shaped, with a unique structure that aids in attracting pollinators such as bees, which are essential for the plant’s reproduction.

In terms of its morphology, lousewort has finely divided, feathery leaves that create a soft, almost fern-like appearance. The stems are often branched and can sometimes display a reddish hue. The plant’s common name, lousewort, is derived from a historical belief that it could cause lice infestations in livestock that grazed upon it. However, this is a myth and has no basis in scientific fact.

Ecologically, lousewort plays a crucial role in its native habitats. By forming symbiotic relationships with surrounding plants, it contributes to the biodiversity and overall health of the ecosystem. Its presence can indicate well-preserved natural habitats with minimal human disturbance.

Pedicularis sylvatica’s intriguing biology and ecological importance make it a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike, as it offers insights into the complexity and interdependence of plant communities. Whether you encounter this plant in the wild or study it from afar, lousewort stands out as a remarkable example of nature’s adaptability and intricacy.

Common Names

Dan: mose-troldurt
Deu: wald-läusekraut, waldmoorläusekraut
Nor: granfrier, skovfrier
Nld: heidekartelblad
Eng: lousewort, small lousewort
Lav: meza janeglite
Fra: pédiculaire des bois, pédiculaire des forêts
Swe: granspira, ängsspira
Cym: blodyn llyffant, cribell goch, cribellau cochion, llys y cŵn, llysiau’r cŵn, llysiau’r eglwys, mel-y-cŵn, melog y borfa, melog y cŵn, melsugn, melsugn y borfa
En: Lousewort, Small lousewort, Heath Lousewort
Be: Увярэднік лясны
Bg: Горско въшливче
Kw: Lowles
Cs: Všivec lesní
Da: Mose-Troldurt
Nl: Heidekartelblad
Fi: Nummikuusio
Fr: Pédiculaire des bois, Pédiculaire des forêts, Herbe aux poux
De: Wald-Läusekraut (Waldläusekraut), Wald-Läusekraut, Waldmoorläusekraut, Wald-Laüsekraut, Waldmoor-Läusekraut
It: Pedicolare silvestre
Lv: Meza janeglite
Lt: Miškinė glindė
No: Kystmyrklegg, Granfrier, Skovfrier
Pl: Gnidosz rozesłany
Ru: Мытник лесной
Sk: Všivec lesný
Sv: Granspira, Ängsspira
Uk: Шолудивник лісовий
Cy: Melog y cŵn, Blodyn Llyffant, Cribell Goch, Cribellau Cochion, Llys y Cŵn, Llysiau’r Cŵn, Llysiau’r Eglwys, Mel-y-Cŵn, Melog y Borfa, Melsugn, Melsugn y Borfa

Synonyms

Distribution

Austria (native)
Baltic States (native)
Belarus (native)
Belgium (native)
Czechoslovakia (native)
Denmark (native)
France (native)
Germany (native)
Great Britain (native)
Ireland (native)
Italy (native)
Morocco (native)
Netherlands (native)
Norway (native)
Poland (native)
Portugal (native)
Romania (native)
Spain (native)
Sweden (native)
Switzerland (native)
Ukraine (native)
Newfoundland (introduced)