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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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

Toxicity unknown

Bracteate Lousewort (Pedicularis bracteosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Northwestern Great Plains

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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