Marsh lousewort (Pedicularis palustris, Sp. Pl.: 607 (1753))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 607 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pedicularis

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada, Subarctic & Subalpine Europe, Kazakhstan to Mongolia and N. Xinjiang

Description

Marsh lousewort, scientifically known as Pedicularis palustris, is a fascinating perennial plant belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. First documented in the comprehensive botanical work “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this plant has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries.

Marsh lousewort is predominantly found in various regions, showcasing a geographical distribution that spans Eastern Canada, subarctic and subalpine areas across Europe, and extends all the way from Kazakhstan to Mongolia and northern Xinjiang. This wide range indicates the plant’s remarkable adaptability to different climatic conditions.

The natural habitats of Marsh lousewort are typically marshy or wetland areas, which provide the moist soil conditions favorable for its growth. These environments are essential for its survival, as the plant thrives in saturated soils that support its root system and nutritional needs. It is particularly common in subarctic and subalpine zones where the cool, moist conditions align perfectly with its ecological preferences.

Morphologically, Pedicularis palustris has a distinct appearance that makes it easily identifiable. The plant usually exhibits tall, slender stems that can reach impressive heights. Its leaves are often delicate and fern-like, adding to its aesthetic charm. The flowers of Marsh lousewort are another highlight, often displaying a range of colors from soft pinks to deep purples. These flowers are not only beautiful but also play a key role in the plant’s reproductive cycle, attracting a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies.

Historically, Marsh lousewort has not just caught the eye of botanists but has also been a subject of interest in traditional medicine and folklore. In some cultures, it was believed to have certain properties beneficial to health, although these uses are largely anecdotal and lack rigorous scientific validation.

In contemporary times, the significance of Pedicularis palustris extends beyond aesthetics and folklore. It holds importance in the study of plant ecology and conservation, particularly in the face of wetland habitat degradation. Efforts to preserve such species are crucial, as they contribute to the biodiversity and health of wetlands.

In summary, Marsh lousewort (Pedicularis palustris) is a perennial plant with a broad distribution across northern and cooler regions of the globe. It thrives in wetland habitats and is recognized for its unique botanical features and historical significance. Efforts to understand and preserve this plant are vital, reflecting its role in both natural ecosystems and botanical study.

Common Names

Dan: eng-troldurt
Eng: european purple lousewort, marsh lousewort, swamp lousewort, swamp-lousewort, red rattle, marsh red rattle
Deu: sumpf-läusekraut, sumpfläusekraut
Nor: friergræs, iglegræs, lusegræs, myrklæg
Swe: kärrspira
Nld: moeraskartelblad
Fra: pédiculaire des marais
Sme: jeaggečoalči, jeaggeskáhcci, likteskáhčči
Cym: arian gwion bach, balog y waun, blodyn y llyffant, melog y gors, melog y gweunydd, melog y waun, melsugn, mêl y gweunydd
En: Marsh lousewort, Swamp lousewort, European purple lousewort, Red-rattle, Swamp-lousewort, Red Rattle, Marsh red rattle
Be: Увярэднік балотны
Bg: Блатно пропадниче
Zh: 沼生马先蒿沼生
Kw: Lowles an lefans
Cs: Všivec bahenní
Da: Eng-Troldurt
Nl: Moeraskartelblad
Et: Soo-kuuskjalg
Fi: Luhtakuusio
Fr: Pédiculaire des marais, Tartarie rouge
De: Sumpf-Läusekraut (Sumpfläusekraut), Sumpf-Läusekraut, Sumpfläusekraut
Hu: Posvány kakastaréj
It: Pedicolare palustre
Lt: Pelkinė glindė
Se: Jeaggečoalči, Jeaggeskáhcci, Likteskáhčči
No: Myrklegg, Friergræs, Iglegræs, Lusegræs, Myrklæg
Pl: Gnidosz błotny
Ru: Мытник болотный
Sk: Všivec močiarny
Sv: Kärrspira
Zh-tw: 沼生馬先蒿沼生
Zh-hant: 沼生馬先蒿沼生
Uk: Шолудивник болотний, Шолудивник
Cy: Melog y waun, Arian Gwion Bach, Balog y Waun, Blodyn y Llyffant, Melog y Gors, Melog y Gweunydd, Melsugn, Mêl y Gweunydd

Synonyms

• Pedicularis palustris var. semirosea (Behm)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Poland (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 12, 2021 by Miriam Beunk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 30, 2019 by Linda Soderberg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Seán Ó Caithniadh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2021 by Flore BESIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by dirk bakker (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2021 by Flore BESIN (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.

Habit

Taken Jun 19, 1995 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 1995 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Rohweder Karsten (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by chris rahner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Marysia Kay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Rohweder Karsten (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Seán Ó Caithniadh (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 10, 2018 by Vladimír Valach (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 31, 1874 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171734)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:807439-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pedicularis palustris L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Soil nutriments: 2