Pedicularis langsdorffii — Edible Plant Database

What to Eat

Edible parts: Root, Leaves - tea

The root is edible when cooked. The leaves can be used as a tea substitute.

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant.

Arctic, Canada, Europe, Japan, North America, Russia, USA,

Countries: Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Albania, Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Barbados, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bahamas, Belarus, Belize, Canada, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, United Kingdom, Grenada, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Croatia, Haiti, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Monaco, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Nicaragua, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Poland, Puerto Rico, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Russia, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, San Marino, El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago, Ukraine, United States, St Vincent

How to Identify

A perennial herb with hermaphroditic flowers adapted to moist, well-drained soils across a range of pH levels. It thrives in light sandy to medium loamy conditions and tolerates semi-shaded woodland settings. The plant prefers consistently moist soil.

How to Grow

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. A semi-parasitic plant, growing on grass roots. Rather difficult to establish in cultivation, it is best grown in conditions that approximate to its native habitat. It requires a moist peaty soil and the presence of host grasses. Requires a partially shaded to sunny site in a well-drained gritty but moist soil.

Propagation: Sow seed in pots of turf collected from near wild colonies, or sow directly onto the site where plants are to remain. Division of established plants may be possible in spring; establish divisions close to the parent plants.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Other Uses

None known.

Wikipedia

A perennial herb with hermaphroditic flowers adapted to moist, well-drained soils across a range of pH levels. It thrives in light sandy to medium loamy conditions and tolerates semi-shaded woodland settings. The plant prefers consistently moist soil.

Notes

Also put in the family Scrophulariaceae.

Names & Synonyms

Arctic lousewort

References (4)

Etkin, N.L. (Ed.), 1994, Eating on the Wild Side, Univ. of Arizona. p 69
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 469
Mem. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 6:49, t. 9, fig. 2. 1823
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/