wetland wildflower

Elephant's-Head lousewort

Pedicularis groenlandica

Also known as Elephanthead Lousewort

Native to the Pacific Coast, the Southwest, and the Rockies and southern Canada

Canada and Alaska, southern in U.S. through mountains to New Mexico, Arizona and California

Light Full sun Sun tolerance
Moisture Moist Moisture preference
Zones 1–8 Cold to heat range
Bloom Jun–Aug Flowering time
Height up to 2 ft to 0.6 m
Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial

Full details, see below

In the garden

A wetland wildflower for full sun and evenly moist soil. At up to 2 ft, it suits rain gardens, pond edges, and damp low spots. Hardy in USDA zones 1–8.

Growing conditions

Light

Full sun Partial shade Full shade

Moisture

Dry Moist Wet

Hardiness zones

Find your zone:

Pollinators & wildlife

Bees Black-tailed Bumble Bee

also Red-belted Bumble Bee, Fuzzy-Horned Bumble Bee, Two-form Bumble Bee +5 more
Yellow-fronted Bumble Bee, Western Bumble Bee, Forest Bumble Bee, frigid bumble bee, Osmia bruneri
Butterflies Frigga Fritillary

Full plant details

Where it grows

Habitat: WetlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
Native range: The Pacific Coast, the Southwest, and the Rockies and southern CanadaUnited States (12): AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY. Canada (4): AB, BC, ON, SK. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
Native distribution: Canada and Alaska, southern in U.S. through mountains to New Mexico, Arizona and CaliforniaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.

Growing conditions

Light: Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
Moisture: MoistThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
Hardiness zones: USDA 1–8 · Canadian 0–8The cold-to-heat climate range it survives.
Soil: Moist, especially early, soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
Soil pH: 5.8–7.2The acidity to alkalinity it tolerates (7 is neutral).
Soil quality: MediumHow rich a soil it needs. Many natives prefer lean soil and flop in rich beds.
Water use: HighHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.
Salinity tolerance: NoneHow well it copes with salty soil, near roads or the coast.
Lime (CaCO₃) tolerance: LowHow well it copes with chalky, lime-rich soil.

Growth & form

Height: up to 2 ft (to 0.6 m)Typical mature height.
Life cycle: PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Growth rate: ModerateA relative ranking versus other plants of the same type (USDA), not an absolute rate.
Shape: ErectIts overall silhouette.
Root depth: 8+ in (20+ cm)How far the roots reach, a guide to drought resilience and transplanting.

Flowers, foliage & fruit

Type: WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
Bloom: Jun–AugWhen it flowers.
Flower color: Pink, PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
Toxicity: None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.

Propagation & seed

Cold stratification: Not requiredWhether seed needs a cold, moist spell before it will germinate.
Propagation: Bare root, seedHow to start new plants.
Seed: ~0.2 million seeds per poundNotes on the seed and how to sow it.
Seed spread rate: ModerateHow readily it self-sows. Slow or none means well-behaved, not a spreader.
Seedling vigor: MediumHow strongly young seedlings establish.
Vegetative spread: NoneWhether it creeps outward or stays put in a clump.