Pedicularis densiflora

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Pedicularis densiflora
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Lamiales Family: Orobanchaceae Genus: Pedicularis Species: P. densiflora
Binomial name
Pedicularis densiflora Benth. ex Hook.[1]

Pedicularis densiflora, known commonly as Indian warrior, is a plant of the lousewort genus in the broomrape family. It is a perennial herb with stout, green or sometimes reddish or magenta stems and fern-shaped leaves, and long spikes of deep red to bright pink flowers with toothed petals. Like others of its genus, it is a root parasite, attaching to the roots of other plants to obtain nutrients and water. This species is a facultative parasite, or hemiparasite, in that it can live without attaching to another plant but will parasitize if presented with the opportunity. It often parasitizes plants of the heath family, such as manzanita. Indian warrior is native to western North America and is found in forests and woodlands at low elevation.

The buds of Indian warrior are sold as medicinal herbs and are smoked for their psychoactive effects. These effects include muscle relaxation, tranquilization, and sedation.

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[edit] External links

• Jepson Manual Pedicularis densiflora