Canadian Lousewort, Wood Betony (Pedicularis canadensis L.)

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A hairy plant with tubular, 2-lipped flowers, all red, all yellow, or yellow and red in a short, dense, terminal cluster.

These low, semi-parasitic plants get some of their nourishment from the roots of other plants. The flower color and the finely cut foliage are distinctive. The genus name, from the Latin pediculus (a louse), and the common name Lousewort, refer to the misconception once held by farmers that cattle and sheep become infested with lice when grazing on the plants. Swamp Lousewort (P. lanceolata), with many opposite leaves on a stem 12-36 (30-90 cm) tall, has light yellow flowers and usually occurs in wet meadows with limestone soil. Furbishs Lousewort (P. furbishiae), is similar, but with finely cut alternate leaves; it is found on the banks of the St. John River in New Brunswick and in northern Maine, where it is classified as an endangered species.

Photographic Location: Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.