Pedicularis sceptrum carolinum - Lousewort

Family:	Scrophulariaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.2
Synonyms:
Range:	Europe.

Pedicularis sceptrum carolinum (Lousewort) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.2m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Lousewort will flower in February. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Lousewort will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Lousewort prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Lousewort can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Fens, wet woods and river banks[50]. Swampy places[178].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

A semi-parasitic plant, growing on grass roots. This is a rather difficult species to establish in cultivation, it is best grown in conditions that approximate to its native habitat[200]. It requires a moist peaty soil and the presence of host grasses[1]. Requires a partially shaded to sunny site in a well-drained gritty but moist soil[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Young plant - raw or cooked[178].

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
Carminative, resolvent[178].

• Carminative - Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
• Resolvent - Breaks down tumors. This might be placed under antitumor.

Propagation

Seed - sow in pots of turf collected from the proximity of wild colonies or sow directly onto the sites where the plants are to remain[200]. Division of established plants might be possible in the spring. Establish the divisions near the parent plants[200]

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
F. Chittendon.
Author: F. Chittendon.
Rating:
Publisher : Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
Date of Publication : 1951

Flora Europaea
?
Author: ?
Rating:
Publisher : An immense work in 6 volumes (including the index). The standard reference flora for europe, it is very terse though and with very little extra information. Not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1964

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