Contents
Description
Pedicularis Lanceolata, also known as the Lanceleaf Lousewort, is a beautiful perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. This plant is commonly found in the western regions of North America, particularly in the rocky mountains and high altitude regions. The plant has a unique growth habit where it grows from a basal rosette and then produces a flowering stem that can grow up to 25 inches in height. The flowers of the Pedicularis Lanceolata are showy, deep pink, and tubular in shape, which makes them quite attractive to bees and hummingbirds. This plant blooms in late spring and early summer, and it can thrive in a variety of environments, including moist meadows, rocky areas, and subalpine forests.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Pedicularis |
Appearance
The Pedicularis Lanceolata has lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to 8 inches in length. The leaves are deeply divided and have a serrated edge. The plant produces a flowering stem that can grow up to 25 inches in height, and it has a terminal cluster of showy, deep pink flowers. The flowers are tubular in shape and can be up to 1 inch long. The plant has a taproot system that can grow up to 12 inches deep, which helps it to thrive in rocky and nutrient-poor soils. Overall, the Pedicularis Lanceolata is a beautiful plant that can add a splash of color to any garden or natural landscape.
Care Guide
The Pedicularis Lanceolata is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of environments. Here are some care tips to help your plant thrive:
- Water: The Pedicularis Lanceolata prefers moist soils, so be sure to water it regularly. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require much fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth.
- Soil: The Pedicularis Lanceolata prefers well-draining, nutrient-poor soils. If you have heavy clay soils, you can add organic matter to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full sun, depending on the location. In hot, sunny regions, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Pedicularis Lanceolata can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pedicularis Lanceolata is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cluster on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing damage. You can control aphids with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause dark spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation. You can control leaf spot by removing infected leaves and improving air circulation.
- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. Be careful not to overwater, and ensure that the soil has good drainage.
Habitat
The Pedicularis Lanceolata is commonly found in the western regions of North America, particularly in the rocky mountains and high altitude regions. This plant thrives in moist meadows, rocky areas, and subalpine forests. It can grow in a variety of soils, including nutrient-poor soils with low fertility. The plant can also tolerate cold temperatures and can survive in regions with heavy snowfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Pedicularis Lanceolata a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the showy, deep pink flowers of the Pedicularis Lanceolata are attractive to bees and hummingbirds, making it a great plant for pollinator gardens.
Q: Can the Pedicularis Lanceolata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Pedicularis Lanceolata can be grown in containers, but it requires moist, well-draining soil and regular watering.
Q: How long does the Pedicularis Lanceolata bloom?
A: The Pedicularis Lanceolata blooms in late spring and early summer, and the flowers can last for several weeks.
Q: Is the Pedicularis Lanceolata a native plant?
A: Yes, the Pedicularis Lanceolata is a native plant to the western regions of North America, including the Rocky Mountains.
Related Plants
- Pedicularis Canadensis
- Pedicularis Groenlandica
- Pedicularis Racemosa
- Pedicularis Bracteosa
References
- “Pedicularis Lanceolata.” Montana Field Guide. Montana Natural Heritage Program, Montana State University, n.d. Web. 10 June 2021.
- “Plant Profile for Pedicularis Lanceolata.” USDA Plants. United States Department of Agriculture, n.d. Web. 10 June 2021.
- “Lanceleaf Lousewort.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The University of Texas at Austin, n.d. Web. 10 June 2021.
