Canadian lousewort
Pedicularis canadensis
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall6 to 12 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Yellow to purple-red
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
Garden uses
Notes
Canadian lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis) is a perennial for woodland and meadow gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Hairy stems carry short, dense clusters of tubular, two-lipped flowers in yellow to purple-red. It blooms in spring and again in summer. The plant is semi-parasitic and gets some nourishment from the roots of other plants.
Pairs well with Wild geranium, Blue sage, and Buffalo grass.
Native range
Southeastern Canada, northern Mexico, and eastern United States to Florida.