Pedicularis lanceolata
Michx.
Swamp lousewort
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Greg Funka, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Greg Funka
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Jim Osborn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jim Osborn
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa
(c) Peter Gorman, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA)
Summary
Source: WikipediaPedicularis lanceolata, the swamp lousewort, is a species of flowering plant native to the Midwestern and Northeastern United States and southern Canada. It is most often found in base-rich wetlands such as fens, springs, and wet meadows. It produces a spiral of cream-colored flowers in late summer through fall.
Description
A perennial reaching 1 m (3ft 3in) in height with hermaphroditic flowers. Tolerates light sandy and medium loamy well-drained soils across mildly acidic to very alkaline pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist conditions.
Edible Uses
Leaves are edible when cooked.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are cooked and seasoned with salt and pepper and eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
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. 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
Also put in the family Scrophulariaceae.
References (3)
- Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994)
- Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 380
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
