Swamp Lousewort (Pedicularis lanceolata) — Care, Growing Conditions & Wildlife Value

Growing Conditions

Light Sun – Part Shade

Water Moist – Wet

Soil Loam

Size 1-3'

Bloom Yellow, Aug–Sep

Why Grow It

Rain Garden Thrives in wet areas & manages runoff

Caterpillar Host Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies

Late Bloomer Provides nectar when others have faded

Deer Resistant Great for gardens without fencing

Did You Know?

Like its cousin Wood Betony, Marsh Betony is hemiparasitic — it taps into the roots of neighboring asters and grasses to supplement its nutrition.

It is a larval host plant for the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly, whose caterpillars feed on its leaves.

Marsh Betony typically grows in alkaline wet meadows and fens with limestone-influenced soils, making it an indicator of high-quality wetland habitat.

Wildlife Value

🐝

Bumblebees Work the hooded yellow flowers for nectar and pollen

🦋

Bog-dwelling Skippers Use as nectar source in wet meadow habitats

🐛

Specialized Moths Some moth larvae feed on Pedicularis species foliage

Good Companions

💙 Blue Vervain 🌸 Swamp Milkweed 🌾 Tussock Sedge 🌿 Boneset

Planting Guide

Sow fresh seed in fall in wet calcareous meadow soil.
Hemiparasitic; must be planted among grasses or sedges as hosts.
Keep soil consistently wet; does not tolerate drought at all.

Swamp Lousewort