Pedicularis contorta Plant Care
Pedicularis contorta Benth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pedicularis contorta is a species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae known by the common names coiled lousewort and curved-beak lousewort. It is native to western North America, including southwestern Canada and the northwestern United States, where it grows in moist mountainous habitat, such as bogs, shady forests, and meadows.
Every 5–7 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Pedicularis contorta?
Water Pedicularis contorta every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Pedicularis contorta Native To?
What Is the Pedicularis contorta?
Pedicularis contorta (Pedicularis contorta) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Pedicularis genus. Pedicularis contorta is native to western North America, including southwestern Canada and the northwestern United States.
Pedicularis contorta displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Pedicularis contorta produces tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pedicularis contorta?
Pedicularis contorta requires watering every 5–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pedicularis contorta Need?
Pedicularis contorta thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pedicularis contorta Prefer?
Pedicularis contorta grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Pedicularis contorta prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pedicularis contorta?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Pedicularis contorta to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Pedicularis contorta?
Feed Pedicularis contorta every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Pedicularis contorta?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Pedicularis contorta?
Pedicularis contorta can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marsh lousewort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pedicularis contorta Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Pedicularis contorta, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Pedicularis contorta?
Pedicularis contorta is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Pedicularis contorta Need?
Pedicularis contorta grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pedicularis contorta is native to western North America, including southwestern Canada and the northwestern United States. In cooler regions, grow Pedicularis contorta as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Pedicularis contorta is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pedicularis genus — compare its care with other Pedicularis species on PlantoScan.
Pedicularis is part of the Orobanchaceae plant family — browse all Orobanchaceae genera and species.
Pedicularis contorta thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pedicularis Species
Other Pedicularis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pedicularis contorta Benth., family Orobanchaceae (first published in Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 108 (1838)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pedicularis contorta, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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