Bracted Lousewort
ExplorePlants
Bracted Lousewort
Pedicularis bracteosa
Bracted Lousewort is a pretty flower that grows in the mountains. Its unique shape and bright colors make it stand out in nature, and it loves to grow in rocky places.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Bracted Lousewort has a sturdy stem topped with dense clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers, each with a distinctive curved upper lip. Prominent green, leaf-like structures called bracts nestle beneath each flower, making it visually distinct from other louseworts.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyOrobanchaceaeGenusPedicularis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its genus name, 'Pedicularis', comes from a Latin word for 'louse', because people once thought it caused lice in livestock!
Some people say its flowers look like tiny, curious elephant heads peeking out from the stem!
The Bracted Lousewort is a hemi-parasite, meaning it's both a plant that makes its own food and also 'borrows' from neighbors!
You can often find this plant thriving in damp, rocky meadows high up in mountain ranges!
Special abilities
Ability
Root Thief
Bracted Lousewort can tap into the roots of nearby plants to steal water and nutrients, helping it thrive where others struggle.
Ability
Bee Beacon
Its uniquely shaped flowers act like a beacon for long-tongued bees, guiding them directly to its nectar and pollen.
Ability
Bract Protector
Its prominent bracts can shield developing flowers and seeds from harsh weather or grazing animals.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-80 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to late summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Two-Form Bumble Bee
Bombus bifarius
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
parasitizes
Alpine Bluegrass
Poa alpina
Taps into roots for water and nutrients.
eaten by
Elk
Cervus canadensis
Graze on its foliage.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't pick flowers. They are important for nature!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Bracted Lousewort?
20-80 cm
How big are the flowers on Bracted Lousewort?
1-2 cm
When does Bracted Lousewort bloom?
Late spring to late summer
Is Bracted Lousewort edible?
No
Is Bracted Lousewort toxic?
None
What is Bracted Lousewort's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Bracted Lousewort pollinated?
Insect
Where is Bracted Lousewort usually found?
Mountain regions
Snap Map
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