Pedicularis canadensis

Pedicularis canadensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Orobanchaceae
Genus: Pedicularis
Species: P. canadensis
Binomial name
Pedicularis canadensis
Hadač

Pedicularis canadensis is a flowering plant in the Orobanchaceae family[1] 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), some 5 to 15 inches long, deeply incised and toothed, often reddish. A favorite of bees, its flowers bloom from April through June. The flowers range in color from a greenish-yellow to purplish-red, clustered on short, dense spikes. The fruit is a long brown seed capsule.

P. canadensis is a parasite, attaching to the roots of diverse species.[2] Its roots also have a symbiotic relationship with a fungus that helps it gather nutrients.[3] For both these reasons it should not be disturbed.

Medical Use

American Indians used a root infusion as a remedy for stomachaches, diarrhea, anemia and heart trouble and made a poultice for swellings, tumors and sore muscles.[4]

History

Eaten by Iroquois as a vegetable, like spinach, it was also used by early Canadian settlers in soup. It was added to oats and used as horse feed by Native Americans.

Folklore

The Menomini called the root "enticer root" and carried it as a charm when determined on seducing the opposite sex. The root was also used to heal broken marriages by placing it in food the couple would both eat, hoping its magic would rekindle romance.

References

  1. ↑ Stevens, P.F. (2001–2012), Angiosperm Phylogeny Website: Orobanchaceae
  2. ↑ Gracie, Carol (2012). Spring Wildflowers of the Northeast. Princeton University Press. pp. 126–131. ISBN 978-0-691-14466-5.
  3. ↑ Horn, compiled and edited by Dennis Horn and Tavia Cathcart ; technical editor, Thomas E. Hemmerly ; photo editors, David Duhl and Dennis (2005). Wildflowers of Tennessee, the Ohio Valley, and the Southern Appalachians : the official field guide of the Tennessee Native Plant Society. [Edmonton]: Lone Pine Pub. p. 288. ISBN 978-1-55105-428-5.
  4. ↑ Foster/Duke, Steven/James A. (1990). Easter/Central Medicinal Plants. United States of America: Houghton Mifflin. p. 106. ISBN 0-395-46722-5.


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