Pedicularis arctica
R.Br.
Arctic Lousewort, Woolly lousewort, Alpine lousewort
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Andy Fyon, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Andy Fyon, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Andy Fyon, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
A perennial herb with hermaphroditic flowers. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to basic pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions.
Description
A herb. It has a strong white taproot. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are greatly divided. The flowers are 20 mm long. The flowers are in a densely woolly spike. They are pink and have a sweet scent. The fruit is long. It is a dry capsule and contains many seeds.
Edible Uses
The root can be eaten raw or added to soups. Leaves are also edible, though no further preparation details are recorded.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It grows in high alpine places. It grows on rocky places above the timberline.
Where It Grows
Arctic, Canada, North America, USA,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. Some authorities consider this plant to be no more than a sub-species of P. langsdorfii. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. A semi-parasitic plant, growing on grass roots. Rather difficult to establish in cultivation, it is best grown in conditions that approximate to its native habitat. It requires a moist peaty soil and the presence of host grasses. Requires a partially shaded to sunny site in a well-drained gritty but moist soil.
Propagation
Sow seed in pots of turf collected from near wild colonies, or sow directly onto the site where plants are to remain. Division of established plants may be possible in spring; establish divisions close to the parent plants.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
There are about 500 Pedicularis species. Also put in the family Scrophulariaceae.
Synonyms
References (4)
- Cormack, R. G. H., 1967, Wild Flowers of Alberta. Commercial Printers Edmonton, Canada. p 303
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Porsild, A.E., 1953, Edible Plants of the Arctic, Arctic 6:15-34, page 23
- Porsild, A.E., 1974, Rocky Mountain Wild Flowers. Natural History Series No. 2 National Museums of Canada. p 352
