Yellow Lousewort

Also called capitate lousewort or many-headed lousewort

  • Iñupiaq name: Unavailable
  • Family: Scrophulariaceae
  • Scientific name: Pedicularis capitata
  • Distinguishing characteristics: Leaves grow near the base of the plant and are deeply lobed with short white hairs. The capitate (head-like) yellow flowers sit on top of the stem in a cluster. 
  • Similar species: Yellow lousewort produces flowers that look similar to woolly lousewort, but the flowers of yellow lousewort are yellow, and grow on the top of a long stem, unlike the flowers of woolly lousewort.  
  • Habitat: Moist or dry tundra, prefers gravelly areas. Sometimes found in heath. 
  • Best time to harvest: April to June
  • Uses: Sweet flowers are eaten occasionally.
Yellow Lousewort

Photo by Irina Shcheglova  

Yellow Lousewort

Photo via Yukon Species Inventory Project

Woolly Lousewort

Photo via Alaska Wildflowers



Page last modified October 6, 2020