Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Orobanchaceae

Genus:

Pedicularis

Species:

Pedicularis densiflora

USDA Symbol:

PEDE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Parasite

Height:

50 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

feb,mar,apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

red, crimson, scarlet

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Hummingbirds:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

hummingbirds, bumblebees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Native to fire-prone chaparral and oak woodland; resprouts from perennial rootstock after fire and often increases in abundance post-burn.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or rocky soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

prefers open, sunny locations

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Hemiparasitic; requires host plant roots (typically oaks, manzanita, or grasses) for successful establishment. Germination can be erratic.