Practical
Plants

Pedicularis sudetica

Lousewort

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.25 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Edible uses

Root - raw or cooked[2]. Leaves and young shoots - cooked. Added to soups[2].

Plant part
Leaves
Plant part
Root

Environment

Range
N. Europe.
Habitat
Bogs, flushes and mossy tundra in the arctic zone[4].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

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[3]. Division of established plants might be possible in the spring. Establish the divisions near the parent plants[3]

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. A semi-parasitic plant, growing on grass roots. This species is rather difficult to establish in cultivation, it is best grown in conditions that approximate to its native habitat[3]. 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[3].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩1↩2

  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  4. ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press 1964-00-00

    ↩

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