Marsh lousewort  (Pedicularis palustris)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

Marsh lousewort or red-rattle is a widespread hemiparasitic herb (3). The stems and leaves are smooth, or have a few sparse hairs. The stem branches close to the base, and bears roughly triangular-shaped leaves with toothed lobes. The flowers are reddish-pink and the upper lip has a small tooth on each side (2). The name ‘red-rattle’ refers to both the colour of the flowers and the seed pods, which rattle when the seeds inside become ripe (4).

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