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Pedicularis bracteosa

Orobanchaceae

Towering Lousewort

Pedicularis bracteosa
Stem erect, no basal leaves. Leaves alternate, widely oval blade 1–6 in., finely divided to center, double-toothed, fern-like. Inflorescence is a 2–7 in. long, densely hairy spike. Bracts sharply pointed, nearly as long as or longer than flowers. Flowers greenish yellow tinted purple or red (especially in northern Washington), larger upper lobe more or less straight, hooded, beakless or with short straight beak at tip. Grows in damp forests, meadows, at mid and high elevations. The tallest Pedicularis in the Northwest.

  • Rarity: Common
  • Flowering Time: Mid Summer
  • Flower Form: 5 petals, 2 lips (Scrophulariaceae)
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: 12–48 inches
  • Habitat: East-side Forest, Meadow, Subalpine, West-side Forest
  • Found In: Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP, Olympic NP, Wallowas, West Gorge
  • Native: Yes
  • Also Known As: Wood Betony

Map of where Pedicularis bracteosa is found