Dwarf Lousewort
Pedicularis centranthera
- Native to:
- United States
Patrick Alexander (www.flickr.com) from Las Cruces, NM
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Orobanchaceae
- Genus:
- Pedicularis
- Species:
- Pedicularis centranthera
- USDA Symbol:
- PECE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Parasite
- Height:
- 20 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, purple, red
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Anicia checkerspot (Euphydryas anicia), ⚠️Edith's checkerspot (Euphydryas editha)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Found in fire-adapted grassland and pine communities in the Southwest; resprouts from root crown following fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid, rocky habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Hemiparasitic; requires host plant roots for successful establishment. Germination can be erratic.