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Description
Pedicularis Foliosa, commonly known as leafy lousewort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to western North America and can be found in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and open forests. The plant has a long stem that can grow up to 80 cm in height and is characterized by its deeply lobed leaves and showy flowers that form a spike-like cluster.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Pedicularis |
Appearance
The leaves of Pedicularis Foliosa are deeply lobed and can grow up to 15 cm in length. They are arranged alternately along the stem and have a dark green color. The flowers are showy and form a spike-like cluster at the top of the stem. Each flower has a tubular shape and is about 2 cm long. The flowers can be red, purple, or yellow, and they bloom from June to August.
Care Guide
Pedicularis Foliosa can grow in a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant requires moderate watering and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Pedicularis Foliosa prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. The plant is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Leafy lousewort is generally not affected by pests or diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
Pedicularis Foliosa is native to western North America and can be found in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and open forests. The plant prefers moist soils and can grow at elevations of up to 3,500 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pedicularis Foliosa a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, the plant has been traditionally used by Native American tribes to treat various ailments such as headaches and respiratory infections.
Q: Can Pedicularis Foliosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with well-draining soil and moderate watering.
Q: How often should Pedicularis Foliosa be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Pedicularis Foliosa tolerate drought?
A: No, the plant prefers moderate watering and should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Related Plants
- Pedicularis Bracteosa
- Pedicularis Canadensis
- Pedicularis Groenlandica
- Pedicularis Racemosa
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/pedfol/all.html
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEFO6
- https://www.bbg.org/gardening/article/pedicularis
