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Description
Pedicularis Rainierensis, also known as the Rainier lousewort, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. The plant is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, particularly in Washington state. It is commonly found in the subalpine and alpine zones of the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Pedicularis |
| Species | Pedicularis Rainierensis |
Appearance
The Pedicularis Rainierensis is a perennial plant that grows up to 60 cm in height. It has a woody stem that is covered with fine hairs. The leaves are alternate and have a fern-like appearance with deeply dissected lobes. The flowers are pink or purple and are arranged in a dense spike at the top of the stem. The plant blooms from June to August.
Care Guide
The Pedicularis Rainierensis is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogged roots.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
- Soil: Plant the Pedicularis Rainierensis in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can affect its growth and blooming.
- Hardiness Zones: The Pedicularis Rainierensis is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pedicularis Rainierensis is generally a pest-resistant plant. However, it can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. These diseases can be prevented by keeping the plant clean and dry, and by applying fungicides if necessary.
Habitat
The Pedicularis Rainierensis is native to the subalpine and alpine zones of the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains in Washington state. It grows in rocky or gravelly soil in open meadows, subalpine forests, and alpine tundra. The plant is adapted to cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions, and can tolerate snow and ice cover for several months.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Pedicularis Rainierensis an endangered species?
A: The Pedicularis Rainierensis is not currently listed as an endangered species, but it is considered rare and vulnerable due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Q: Can the Pedicularis Rainierensis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Pedicularis Rainierensis can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives enough sunlight.
Q: Does the Pedicularis Rainierensis have any medicinal properties?
A: Some species of Pedicularis have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as pain, fever, and inflammation. However, there is limited research on the medicinal properties of the Pedicularis Rainierensis.
Q: Can the Pedicularis Rainierensis be propagated by seeds?
A: Yes, the Pedicularis Rainierensis can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be sown in the fall or spring in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
- Pedicularis Groenlandica
- Pedicularis Langsdorffii
- Pedicularis Rupicola
- Pedicularis Siphonantha
References
- Flora of North America Editorial Committee, eds. 1993+. Flora of North America North of Mexico. 16+ vols. New York and Oxford.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Pedicularis Rainierensis. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PERA23. Accessed 23 March 2021.
- Washington Native Plant Society. Rainier Lousewort. https://www.wnps.org/plants/pedicularis-rainierensis.html. Accessed 23 March 2021.
