Dwarf Lousewort
Pedicularis centranthera
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Dwarf Lousewort (Pedicularis centranthera) 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 sun
Water
medium
Size
2"–8" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Dwarf lousewort is a compact native perennial that forms low mats of foliage with distinctive tubular flowers. This alpine plant blooms from June through August and stays very short, making it suitable for rock gardens or as groundcover in partially shaded areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dwarf 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.
- Very small size may appear insignificant in formal landscapes
- Alpine appearance may look too wild for maintained areas
- Unknown winter appearance creates uncertainty
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. Its compact size makes it valuable for supporting pollinators in small garden spaces.
Common questions
- How much sun does Dwarf Lousewort need?
- Dwarf Lousewort grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Dwarf Lousewort bloom?
- Dwarf Lousewort blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Dwarf Lousewort native?
- Dwarf Lousewort (Pedicularis centranthera) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Dwarf Lousewort attract?
- Dwarf Lousewort draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Dwarf Lousewort HOA-friendly?
- Dwarf 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.
Ready to grow Dwarf Lousewort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz