Pedicularis canadensis Play pronunciation

Wood Betony is a flowering, perennial herbaceous plant in the fig wort family that is native to southeastern Canada, southeastern United States, and northern Mexico. In North Carolina, it is found in all areas of the state, although it is rare in the coastal plains. It can be found in a variety of habitats including open woods, thickets and clearings. It is a hemiparasite that attaches to the roots of neighboring plants including some grasses; however, it does produce its own chlorophyll. The genus name is Latin for "relating to lice". The species name means "of Canada. Despite the species name, the plant has no relationship, either in attracting or dispelling, lice on feeding animals.

The plant is unbranched with leaves that are mostly in a basal rosette with a few stem leaves. The lobed wavy-edged margins give it a  ferny look. A spike of 2-lipped yellow to red flowers appears from April to June, blooming from the bottom up. The plant attract bees.

Wood Betony does best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. It prefers medium moisture, well-drained soils and once established, will tolerate some drought. It can spread into colonies by means of self-seeding. 

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.