trefle.io · Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)
Orobanchaceae
Lousewort
Pedicularis sylvatica
Also known as Wood betony, Common lousewort, Betony
Native Plants · Lousewort · Semi-Parasitic · Wildflower · Moorland · Native Plant · Acid Soil · Specialist · Orobanchaceae · Heathland · Rare Wildflower
Lousewort is a semi-parasitic wildflower that attaches to the roots of nearby grasses and heath plants to supplement its nutrient uptake, making it very challenging to cultivate outside its native moorland habitat. It requires acidic, nutrient-poor, consistently moist soil and partial sun to survive, and generally does not transplant well. This plant is best appreciated in its natural habitat and is recommended only for specialist native plant or wildflower enthusiasts.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 5 hours
- Watering
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water moderately to mimic damp moorland conditions · Every 5-7 days
- Maintenance
- High
- Soil pH
- 3–4
- Cycle
- Perennial
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Spacing
- 8 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Flowers
- No
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Algeria, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Newfoundland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies
Sources: trefle, usda
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