Canadian Lousewort
Pedicularis canadensis
Also listed as Enslenia bibracteata, Nelensia bibracteata
Also known as Canada Lousewort, Canadian Wood Betony, Canada Wood-betony
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A native woodland perennial with distinctive reddish or purple-tinged flowers held on upright spikes. It thrives in shaded forest settings and attracts pollinators to the garden.
Why grow it
Canadian lousewort fills a niche in shaded woodland gardens where many flowering perennials struggle, offering early-season color when few natives bloom. Compared to other shade-tolerant woodland species, it provides reliable pollinator attraction with minimal maintenance once established in appropriate conditions. Its preference for moist, well-draining soils in dappled to full shade makes it useful for areas too wet or dark for many alternative perennials.
Watch out for
This species can be slow to establish from seed and may take several years to reach mature flowering size, so patience is required during the establishment phase. It performs poorly in hot, dry locations or in heavy clay soils without significant amendment, and may decline if subjected to extended drought even after establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native woodland perennial with distinctive reddish or purple-tinged flowers held on upright spikes. It thrives in shaded forest settings and attracts pollinators to the garden.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Canadian Lousewort grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Canadian lousewort fills a niche in shaded woodland gardens where many flowering perennials struggle, offering early-season color when few natives bloom. Compared to other shade-tolerant woodland species, it provides reliable pollinator attraction with minimal maintenance once established in appropriate conditions. Its preference for moist, well-draining soils in dappled to full shade makes it useful for areas too wet or dark for many alternative perennials.
Watch out for
This species can be slow to establish from seed and may take several years to reach mature flowering size, so patience is required during the establishment phase. It performs poorly in hot, dry locations or in heavy clay soils without significant amendment, and may decline if subjected to extended drought even after establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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