Giant Lousewort

Giant Lousewort: A Towering Native Wildflower for Your Garden

Despite its rather unfortunate common name, giant lousewort (Pedicularis procera) is actually a stunning native wildflower that deserves a place in more American gardens. Don’t let the lousewort moniker fool you – this tall, elegant perennial has nothing to do with lice! The name comes from an old folk belief that livestock grazing on these plants would develop lice, though there’s absolutely no truth to this myth.

What Is Giant Lousewort?

Giant lousewort is a native perennial forb that belongs to the snapdragon family. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous plant without woody stems, dying back to the ground each winter and returning from its roots each spring. True to its giant name, this species can reach impressive heights, making it a real showstopper in the garden.

You might also encounter this plant listed under its synonym Pedicularis grayi, but Pedicularis procera is the currently accepted botanical name.

Where Does Giant Lousewort Grow Naturally?

This beautiful native calls the western United States home, naturally occurring across six states: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. It thrives in the montane and subalpine regions of these areas, typically growing in meadows, open woodlands, and mountain slopes.

Why Grow Giant Lousewort?

There are several compelling reasons to consider adding this native beauty to your landscape:

• Native plant benefits: Supporting local ecosystems and wildlife
• Pollinator magnet: The tubular flowers are perfectly designed for bumblebees and other long-tongued pollinators
• Unique aesthetic: Tall flower spikes with distinctive hooded blooms create vertical interest
• Low maintenance: Once established, requires minimal care
• Conversation starter: The unusual name and striking appearance make it a garden focal point

Garden Design and Landscape Role

Giant lousewort works beautifully in several garden settings:

• Wildflower meadows: Perfect for naturalized plantings
• Alpine gardens: Ideal for mountain-style landscapes
• Native plant gardens: A must-have for regional native collections
• Pollinator gardens: Excellent addition to bee and butterfly gardens

Use it as a backdrop plant due to its height, or plant in drifts for maximum impact in larger spaces.

Growing Conditions and Care

Giant lousewort is adapted to the challenging conditions of its mountain homes, which makes it relatively easy to grow if you can replicate some of those conditions:

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-draining soils; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions
• Water: Moderate moisture; drought-tolerant once established
• Climate: Cool, mountain climates preferred

USDA Hardiness Zones

Based on its natural range, giant lousewort is likely hardy in USDA zones 3-7, though it performs best in cooler climates that mimic its mountain origins.

Planting and Care Tips

Here are some key tips for successfully growing giant lousewort:

• Soil preparation: Ensure excellent drainage; amend heavy soils with coarse sand or gravel
• Planting time: Spring or early fall when temperatures are cooler
• Fertilization: Minimal to none required; too much fertility can actually harm the plant
• Companion planting: Plant near native grasses, as giant lousewort may form beneficial relationships with grass roots
• Mulching: Use a light, well-draining mulch like gravel or decomposed granite

Special Considerations

Giant lousewort has an interesting ecological trait – it may be semi-parasitic on the roots of nearby grasses. Don’t worry, this won’t harm your garden! In fact, this relationship can help the plant thrive and is completely natural. This is one reason why heavy fertilization isn’t recommended.

The plant’s wetland status varies by region but generally indicates it can adapt to various moisture conditions, from drier upland sites to occasionally wet areas.

Is Giant Lousewort Right for Your Garden?

Consider growing giant lousewort if you:

• Live in or near its native range (western United States)
• Have well-draining soil and cooler growing conditions
• Want to support native pollinators
• Appreciate unique, conversation-worthy plants
• Are creating a native plant or wildflower garden

While giant lousewort might not be the easiest plant to find at your local nursery, it’s worth seeking out from specialty native plant suppliers. This distinctive native wildflower brings both ecological benefits and unique beauty to gardens lucky enough to host it.