Langsdorf's lousewort (Pedicularis langsdorffii)

Other names Langsdorff's lousewort

Langsdorf's lousewort (Pedicularis langsdorffii)
(c) Taylor Justason, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Taylor Justason

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun

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.

Propagation

Seed - sow in pots of turf collected from the proximity of wild colonies or sow directly onto the sites where the plants are to remain. Division of established plants might be possible in the spring. Establish the divisions near the parent plants

Edible uses

Root - cooked. The leaves are a tea substitute.

Habitat

Meadows, rocky ridges and slopes at moderate to high elevations.

Native range

N. Europe and N. America southwards from Alaska.

Same genus