Pedicularis langsdorffii

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Pedicularis langsdorffii
Light:Full Sun Part Shade
Moisture:Mesic
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Native to:
Edible Rating:PFAF Edibility Rating
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Pedicularis langsdorffii (common name: lousewort)

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[1].

Division of established plants might be possible in the spring. Establish the divisions near the parent plants[1]

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[1]. It requires a moist peaty soil and the presence of host grasses[2]. Requires a partially shaded to sunny site in a well-drained gritty but moist soil[1].

Range: N. Europe and N. America southwards from Alaska.

Habitat: Meadows, rocky ridges and slopes at moderate to high elevations[3].

Edibility: Root - cooked[4][5][6].

The leaves are a tea substitute[7][6].

Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

Flower Type: Hermaphrodite

Links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  2. Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
  3. Livingstone, B. Flora of Canada. National Museums of Canada, 1978.
  4. Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
  5. Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
  7. Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.