Contents
Description
Pedicularis Gyroflexa, also known as the Spinning Lousewort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to the western region of North America, where it grows in moist meadows and subalpine forests.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Pedicularis |
Appearance
The Spinning Lousewort can grow up to 30 cm in height and has dark green leaves that are deeply divided into segments. Its flowers are tubular and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers are typically pink or purple in color, but can also be white or yellow. The plant blooms from June to August.
Care Guide
Pedicularis Gyroflexa prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in full sunlight to partial shade and requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Fertilization is not necessary, but can be beneficial for optimal growth. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Spinning Lousewort is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. It can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
The Spinning Lousewort is native to the western region of North America, where it grows in moist meadows and subalpine forests. It can also be found in alpine areas and along stream banks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pedicularis Gyroflexa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept moist and well-drained.
Q: Does Pedicularis Gyroflexa attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: Can Pedicularis Gyroflexa be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, it can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in the spring.
Q: Is Pedicularis Gyroflexa toxic to pets?
A: There is limited information on the toxicity of this plant, but it is not known to be toxic to pets.
Related Plants
- Pedicularis bracteosa
- Pedicularis groenlandica
- Pedicularis racemosa
- Pedicularis canadensis
References
- USDA Plants Database: Pedicularis gyroflexa
- University of Washington Herbarium: Pedicularis gyroflexa
- Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest: Pedicularis gyroflexa
