Little Elephantshead
Pedicularis attollens
- Native to:
- United States
Jim Morefield (www.flickr.com) from Nevada, USA




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