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Common Name: Lousewort

General Information

Pedicularis langsdorffii is a Perennial
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

N. Europe and N. America southwards from Alaska.

Habitat

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

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].

Edible Uses

Root - cooked[, , ].
The leaves are a tea substitute[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

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[]