Canadian lousewort
Pedicularis canadensis · Orobanchaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant canadian lousewort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (April-June)
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- North America (forests and wetlands)
- Soil type
- Rich, humusy, well-drained
Care
Light Requirements
Canadian lousewort prefers partial shade to full shade, ideally under the canopy of deciduous trees. It tolerates shaded areas but flowers better with a few hours of diffuse light. Avoid hot afternoon sun in warm climates.
Soil
This plant appreciates soil rich in organic matter, moist and well-drained. Enrich the soil with compost or leaf mold before planting. It prefers conditions close to its natural forest habitat, slightly acidic to neutral.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist without creating waterlogging. Moderate watering in spring and early summer is recommended, particularly during the flowering period. Gradually reduce watering after flowering when the plant enters dormancy.
Fertilizing
A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. Prefer organic fertilizer or slow-release amendment. This plant is undemanding and tolerates soil enriched naturally by mulch well.
Pruning
No formal pruning is necessary. Simply remove spent flowers if you wish to encourage prolonged blooming. Leave dry stems in autumn to allow natural self-seeding.
Diseases and Pests
Canadian lousewort is generally very robust and rarely susceptible to diseases. Watch for excess winter moisture that could promote root rot. Pests are rare on this species in natural or garden conditions.
Did you know?
Canadian lousewort gets its scientific name 'Pedicularis' (from the Latin 'pediculus', meaning louse) because it was once believed that this plant caused lice in cattle that grazed on it, which was actually a superstition. In reality, it is a semi-parasitic plant that can slightly weaken the roots of neighboring plants, but it fascinates botanists with this unique ability in North American flora.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Meadow cowwheatMelampyrum pratense
- Yellow rattleRhinanthus minor
- Pedicularis palustrisPedicularis palustris
- Melampyrum sylvaticumMelampyrum sylvaticum
- Red bartsiaOdontites vernus
- Marsh lousewortPedicularis sylvatica
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.