How much sun does Bracteate Lousewort need?

Bracteate Lousewort grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Bracteate Lousewort bloom?

Bracteate Lousewort blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Bracteate Lousewort native?

Bracteate Lousewort (Pedicularis bracteosa) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Bracteate Lousewort attract?

Bracteate Lousewort draws bees.

Is Bracteate Lousewort HOA-friendly?

Bracteate Lousewort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bracteate Lousewort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pedicularis bracteosa

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–20" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range

Bracteate lousewort is a native wildflower with distinctive hooded flowers that bloom in shades of yellow, pink, or purple from June through August. This compact perennial grows 6-20 inches tall and prefers partial shade with moderate moisture. It forms small clumps and works well in naturalized garden areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bracteate Lousewort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Name contains 'lousewort' which may concern neighbors
Has wild, unstructured appearance
May look weedy or unkempt to conventional gardeners

Wildlife value

The unique hooded flowers are specifically adapted for pollination by bumblebees and other native bees. The plant provides important nectar during summer months when many other wildflowers have finished blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Bracteate Lousewort need?: Bracteate Lousewort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Bracteate Lousewort bloom?: Bracteate Lousewort blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Bracteate Lousewort native?: Bracteate Lousewort (Pedicularis bracteosa) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Bracteate Lousewort attract?: Bracteate Lousewort draws bees.
Is Bracteate Lousewort HOA-friendly?: Bracteate Lousewort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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