The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Lousewort

General Information

Pedicularis sceptrum carolinum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.20 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Europe.

Habitat

Fens, wet woods and river banks[]. Swampy places[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.20 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A semi-parasitic plant, growing on grass roots. This is a rather difficult species 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

Young plant - raw or cooked[].

Medicinal

Carminative, resolvent[].

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[]