BRACTED LOUSEWORT

Class: Pedicularis bracteosa

Family: FIGWORT FAMILY

Sub Family: Scrophulariaceae

Year: Perennial

Other Names: Fern Leaf, Wood Betony

Colour: Yellowish or reddish-green

Height: 30-50 cm (12-20")

Each Flower: 1.3 cm (1/2") long, consisting of flattened, yellowish hood, curved over at top and reddish below; enclosing 3 stamens and long style with reddish, curved end; lower lip green, 3-lobed, veined, and reddish below; calyx has 3 parts: 2 large lobes and 1 small one at back

Leaves: At base of flower-spike is long, green, pointed bract; 2 or 3 leaves lower down on stem, 7.5-10 cm (3-4") long with 8-10 pairs of opposite, deeply toothed leaflets and 1 terminal leaflet, giving fern-like appearance

Stems: Woody, hollow, smooth, reddish, and stout below with 3 or 4 brown scale-like leaves at base

Blooming Period: July - August

Habitat: Mountains from 914-2743 m (3000-9000'), in moist meadows and open woodlands throughout the area

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