Pedicularis sylvatica
lousewort
A hemi-parasitic plant which occurs mostly in north and west Britain. These are plants which are partially parasitic on the roots of or shoots of its plant host. It forms congested clumps of fern-like leaves flushed with dark red to about 10cm tall. The oversize, pinkish flowers appear to develop directly from the ground, though they have short stalks, and are tubular and hooded, with an inflated calyx
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Red Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Red Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Occurs naturally in damp grassy heaths, hill pasture and moorland. Is a partial parasite on the roots of a range of other plants, especially grasses
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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