Little Elephantshead

Pedicularis attollens

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Orobanchaceae
Genus:
Pedicularis
Species:
Pedicularis attollens
USDA Symbol:
PEAT

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Parasite
Height:
40 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bumblebees, hummingbirds
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in alpine meadows and wet areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Hemiparasitic; requires host plant roots for successful establishment. Seeds may germinate without host but seedlings fail without connection.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI