Common Lousewort
Pedicularis canadensis
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Pedicularis canadensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Dry woods, thickets and clearings.
Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Manitoba, south to northern Mexico and east to Florida.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The roots are blood tonic, cardiac and stomachic. A tea is used in the treatment of stomach aches, ulcers, diarrhoea, anaemia and heart troubles. A poultice of the root is applied to swellings, sore muscles and tumours. The finely grated roots were secretly added to food as an alleged aphrodisiac. An infusion of the leaves has been used to procure an abortion. An infusion of the fresh or dried leaves has been used to treat a sore throat.
Antitumor: Preventing, or effective against, tumors, it is used in the treatment of cancer. Probably synonymous with Cytotoxic.
Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.
Blood tonic: Is this any different to a blood purifier?
Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
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. The plant is said to parasitize at least 80 different species in 35 different genera. Requires a partially shaded to sunny site in a well-drained gritty but moist soil.
Propagating it: 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
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The plant is said to be poisonous to sheep.