Canadian lousewort

Canadian lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis) is in the broomrape family family (Orobanchaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,459 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.

Nationally it blooms mainly from April to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.

When to photograph Canadian lousewort: observations by month (U.S.)

About Canadian lousewort

Pedicularis canadensis is a flowering plant in the Orobanchaceae family and is also known as wood betony, beefsteak plant, Canadian lousewort, high heal-all, snaffles and Canada lousewort. It is found in thickets and dry, open wooded areas throughout Canada and the United States. It is a low, hairy plant with a broad whorl of tubular, hooded flowers on top of a segmented stalk. It has long, soft, hairy leaves (many are basal, growing tufted from roots),...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Canadian lousewort by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related wildflowers (broomrape family)

Warrior's PlumePedicularis densiflora

Purple Owl's-CloverCastilleja exserta

Mediterranean lineseedBellardia trixago

American cancer-rootConopholis americana

Felt PaintbrushCastilleja foliolosa

Texas PaintbrushCastilleja indivisa

One-Flowered Cancer-RootAphyllon uniflorum

Narrowleaf Cow WheatMelampyrum lineare

Photography tips

• Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
• Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
• Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
• Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.

FAQ