Bird’s Beak Lousewort
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(Pedicularis ornithorhyncha)
Bird’s Beak Lousewort (Pedicularis ornithorhyncha)
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© Jacy Chen
CC BY 4.0
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© Jacy Chen
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Jacy Chen | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: chenjacy | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Pedicularis ornithorhyncha, commonly known as Bird’s Beak Lousewort or Ducksbill Lousewort, is a perennial herb that is native to subalpine and alpine zones, moist meadows, and forest clearings throughout Western North America, including the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-1.5 feet (0.15-0.45 meters) and is characterized by its distinctive pink to purple flowers resembling a bird’s beak, which bloom in the summer and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Bird’s Beak Lousewort is valued for its unique flower shape and its ability to thrive in challenging mountainous environments. It is used in wildflower gardens, alpine rock gardens, and native plant landscapes. It requires consistent moisture and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It is best suited to medium or slow-draining clay or loam soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. This plant is not commonly found in the nursery trade but can be grown from seed by enthusiasts of native plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bird’s Beak Lousewort is valued for its unique flower shape and its ability to thrive in challenging mountainous environments. It is used in wildflower gardens, alpine rock gardens, and native plant landscapes. It requires consistent moisture and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It is best suited to medium or slow-draining clay or loam soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. This plant is not commonly found in the nursery trade but can be grown from seed by enthusiasts of native plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to subalpine and alpine zones, moist meadows, and forest clearings
Other Names
Common Names: Bird’s Beak Lousewort, Bird’s Beak Betony
Scientific Names: Pedicularis ornithorhyncha
GBIF Accepted Name: Pedicularis ornithorhyncha