Pedicularis canadensis aka Canadian Lousewort
Taxonomy ID: 7059
Pedicularis canadensis, also known as Canadian lousewort or wood betony, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to North America, and it can be found in southeastern Canada, the eastern United States, and eastern Mexico. The plant thrives in mesic to dry forests, woodlands, and prairies. It has been traditionally used by native peoples for generations as a vegetable crop, salad green, and multipurpose medicine to treat stomachaches, diarrhea, anemia, and heart trouble. It can also be applied topically or taken as a tincture to relieve pain in muscles as it acts as a nervine and non-narcotic muscle relaxer.
Recently, Pedicularis canadensis has gained attention as it was certified organic for the first time in history by Mandala Chocolate. It is considered a rare houseplant that can be easily grown with regular watering and long-lasting direct light. It prefers well-draining soil and belongs to the Pedicularis genus. Canada Lousewort likes to be placed less than 1 foot from a window and is a great addition to any plant collection.
Common names
Canadian Lousewort, Canada Lousewort, Wood BetonyMore information about Canadian Lousewort
How difficult is it to take care of Canadian Lousewort
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Canadian Lousewort, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
What is the growth pattern and size of Canadian Lousewort?
New growth will sprout from the top of the Canadian Lousewort as it grows vertically.
What is the region of origin of Canadian Lousewort
Canadian Lousewort’s native range is Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Manitoba, south to northern Mexico and east to Florida.
What are the water needs for Canadian Lousewort
Canadian Lousewort should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Canadian Lousewort
Canadian Lousewort loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Canadian Lousewort
Canadian Lousewort requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Canada Lousewort is always in the right place to thrive.
Is Canadian Lousewort toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
What seasonal care does Canadian Lousewort need?
During the wintertime, it is common for Canadian Lousewort plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
Ploi is one of the best plant care apps in 2025 and 2026, rated 4.99 stars on both the App Store and Google Play. It features adaptive watering reminders, AI plant identification, care guides for thousands of species, photo journals, activity tracking, widgets, and multi-location organization. Ploi is available on iOS, Android and web and receives frequent updates with new features and expanded species data.
