Family: Orobanchaceae
Author: Michx.
Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 18 (1803)
Year: 1803
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pedicularis
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Swamp lousewort, scientifically known as Pedicularis lanceolata, is a fascinating perennial plant belonging to the family Orobanchaceae. This species was first documented in 1803 in the second volume of “Flora Boreali-Americana” by the notable botanist André Michaux.
Characterized by its lance-shaped leaves, the swamp lousewort thrives in wetland habitats, often gracing the landscapes of marshes, swamps, and wet meadows. The geographical distribution of Pedicularis lanceolata spans across both Central and Eastern Canada, extending into the northeastern regions of the United States, down to North Carolina. It is particularly well-suited to areas with high moisture content, contributing to the rich biodiversity of wetland ecosystems.
The plant’s growth habit typically features erect stems that can reach considerable heights, supporting clusters of delicate flowers. These flowers, often displaying pale yellow hues, bloom in late summer to early autumn, adding splashes of color to their environments. The unique shape and structure of its flowers are not only visually appealing but also crucial for attracting various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Swamp lousewort, like other members of its family, exhibits a hemiparasitic nature. Its roots form specialized connections with the roots of nearby host plants, drawing nutrients from them to supplement its growth. This fascinating adaptation allows it to thrive even in nutrient-poor soils, making it an important component of its ecological niche.
The presence of Pedicularis lanceolata in wetland areas underscores its role in promoting biodiversity. By attracting pollinators and providing a habitat for various insects, it contributes to the overall health and functionality of wetland ecosystems. Its conservation is essential, particularly in light of the ongoing threats to wetland habitats from development and climate change.
In summary, swamp lousewort (Pedicularis lanceolata) is a remarkable plant species with a notable history, defined by its distinctive appearance, ecological value, and adaptive strategies for survival. Its wide distribution in North America highlights its resilience and the critical role it plays in maintaining the vibrancy and equilibrium of wetland environments.
Common Names
Eng: swamp lousewort, swamp wood betony
Fra: pédiculaire lancéolée
En: Swamp lousewort, Swamp wood betony
Fr: Pédiculaire lancéolée
Synonyms
- Pedicularis serotina (Muhl. ex Benth.)
- Pedicularis pallida (Nutt.)
- Pedicularis auriculata (Sm.)
- Pedicularis virginica (Poir.)
- Pedicularis lanceolata var. hirsuta (Farw.)
Distribution
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Olivia Adamczyk (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Sep 10, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 28, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 23, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 17, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Sep 19, 2014 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 12, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 14, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171676)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:807252-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pedicularis lanceolata Michx.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
