Pedicularis dudleyi

Pedicularis dudleyi

Dudley's lousewort

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Dudley's lousewort

Context

nativeRegion

Endemic to central coastal California, primarily in old-growth redwood forests of the Santa Lucia Mountains and San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties.

usdaZones

Best suited to USDA zones 9–10 (where appropriate habitat exists).

companionPlants

Sequoia sempervirens (Coast Redwood), Polystichum munitum (Sword Fern), Oxalis oregana (Redwood Sorrel)

culturalUses

No known significant traditional uses; valued for conservation and biodiversity of unique habitats.

Care

LightPrefers partial shade to dappled sunlight, typically found in understory habitats.

WateringRequires moist but well-drained soil; does not tolerate prolonged drought.

SoilFavors rich, loamy or organic soils with good drainage; often associated with decomposing leaf litter in redwood forests.

FertilizerRarely needs supplemental fertilizer if grown in native-like soils; avoid over-fertilizing.

HumidityThrives in moderate to high humidity environments typical of coastal forests.

TemperaturePrefers cool to mild temperatures; sensitive to excessive heat or frost.

HabitPerennial herb; hemiparasitic on roots of host plants (often conifers or other understory species).

Mature SizeUp to 30–60 cm (1–2 ft) tall.

Growth RateMedium growth rate; dependent on availability of suitable host plants.

BloomingBlooms in late spring to early summer, producing spikes of pinkish flowers.

DormancyWinter dormant; dies back above ground in late summer to fall.

MethodsSeed (preferred, but requires host plant), Division (difficult, not common)

DifficultyHigh—seeds require host association for germination and establishment.

Best SeasonSow seeds in late fall to early winter for natural stratification.

PruningMinimal; remove spent flowering stems after blooming if desired.

RepottingRarely applicable outside conservation or restoration contexts due to niche requirements.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally few pests in natural habitat; root parasitism and competition can affect vigor.

ToxicityNot known to be toxic to humans or animals.

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