Description:
Pediculariopsis verticillata (L.) A. & D. Löve, commonly known as Whorled Lousewort, is a perennial herb that belongs to Orobanchaceae or Broomrape family. This plant is characterized by its unusual-looking flowers (butterfly-shaped) and whorled arrangement of its leaves along the stem. It is native to North America and can be found in rocky areas of western United States, Canada, and Alaska.
Appearance:
Whorled Lousewort can grow up to 1 to 3 feet in height. The plant has slender, erect stems that are often purplish-brown in color and are sparsely covered with short hairs. Its whorled leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and serrated on the margins. The flowers, borne on short pedicels, are striking and unique. They are tubular-shaped, with two upper lips (usually lavender or purple) and three lower lobes (usually white or pale yellow) that form a butterfly-like shape.
Common Names:
Whorled Lousewort is also known as Verticillate Pedicularis, Whorled Pedicularis, and Whorled Yellowrattle.
Uses:
Whorled Lousewort has been traditionally used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. The Cheyenne Indians used the plant to treat respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis and asthma. Similarly, the Blackfoot Indians used it as an antiseptic for wounds and as a cure for headaches. However, due to its limited distribution and rarity, the plant is not commonly used today.
Light Requirements
Pediculariopsis verticillata thrives in areas with partial to full sunlight exposure. However, extreme heat and long hours of direct sunlight can damage the plant, making it necessary to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Preferences
This plant prefers a cool and moist environment and is adapted to thrive in the subalpine to alpine ecosystems. The ideal growing temperature for Pediculariopsis verticillata ranges between 15.5°C to 25°C. If the temperature exceeds 25°C, the plant may suffer significant damage. If, on the other hand, the temperature falls below 0°C, the plant may die.
Soil Requirements
Pediculariopsis verticillata grows well in well-drained, moist soils typically found in alpine regions. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5– 7.0. Additionally, the soil should have a high organic matter content to retain moisture and provide sufficient nutrients for the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Pediculariopsis verticillata (L.) A.& D. Löve is a hardy plant that can be easily grown in your garden or natural landscape. It is a perennial plant and requires well-draining soil to grow successfully. The plant can grow in full sun to partial shade, and it prefers soils with a moderate level of moisture content.
The best time to plant Pediculariopsis verticillata is in spring, after the last frost. Before planting, the soil should be prepared by tilling it to a depth of 8-10 inches. The plant should then be planted at a depth of 2-3 inches, and the soil should be firmly packed around it.
Watering Needs
Pediculariopsis verticillata requires regular watering but not too much water. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, and allow the soil to dry out between watering. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage as it can lead to leaf spot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized twice a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied according to the instructions on the package. Fertilizing too much can lead to excessive growth and reduce the plant's overall health.
Pruning
Pediculariopsis verticillata does not require regular pruning, but it is recommended to prune the plant in early spring or after flowering to promote new growth and maintain its shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and cut back any overgrown branches to improve the plant's overall health. Be careful not to prune too much, as this can prevent the plant from flowering.
Propagation of Pediculariopsis verticillata
Pediculariopsis verticillata can be propagated through both seeds and vegetative methods.
Propagation through seeds
The easiest and most commonly used method for propagation of Pediculariopsis verticillata is through seeds.
The seeds can be collected from mature fruits that have turned brown and fully dried. These seeds can then be sown directly into the soil. However, it is important to note that Pediculariopsis verticillata has a low germination rate, and so it is recommendable to sow multiple seeds to ensure a successful germination.
The optimal planting time is during the fall, before the winter so the cold stratification occurs. Cold stratification involves exposing the seeds to below-freezing temperatures between a range of 1 to 3 months. This process increases the germination of seeds and is classified as a natural process.
Vegetative propagation
While not as common as seed propagation, Pediculariopsis verticillata can also be propagated through vegetative methods.
The vegetative propagation involves taking stem cuttings from a matured plant and planting them in a soil mixture consisting of sand, peat moss and vermiculite. The cuttings should have a length of 2 to 3 inches and roots might occur after 3 to 4 weeks.
Once roots are visible and the plant has adjusted to its new environment, it is advisable to transplant it into a soil mixture that contains nutrients such as compost or manure.
Overall, both seed and vegetative propagation methods can be used to reproduce Pediculariopsis verticillata. The choice of method depends on the availability of mature plants and the desired outcome.
Disease Management
Pediculariopsis verticillata is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. Some of the common diseases that might affect this plant are:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by phytophthora fungi and can lead to wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, avoid over-watering, improve soil drainage, and remove infected plants.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To prevent this disease, maintain good air circulation and avoid overcrowding. Fungicides can also be used to manage powdery mildew.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as circular spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, avoid overcrowding, and maintain proper irrigation.
Pest Management
Pediculariopsis verticillata is also susceptible to various pests. Here are some common pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, using insecticidal soap, or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and maintain proper irrigation.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies, and they feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant, use insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators such as birds or parasitic wasps.
