Pedicularis howellii Plant Care

Pedicularis howellii A.Gray

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Pedicularis howellii is an uncommon species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae known by the common name Howell's lousewort. It is endemic to the Siskiyou Mountains of the Klamath Range in southern Oregon and northern California, where it grows on the edges of coniferous forests.

Water

Every 5–7 days

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Pedicularis howellii?

Water Pedicularis howellii 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 howellii Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Pedicularis howellii?

Pedicularis howellii (Pedicularis howellii) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Pedicularis genus. Pedicularis howellii is native to the Siskiyou Mountains of the Klamath Range in southern Oregon and northern California.

Pedicularis howellii displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Pedicularis howellii produces tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Pedicularis howellii?

Pedicularis howellii 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 howellii Need?

Pedicularis howellii thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial shade to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pedicularis howellii Prefer?

Pedicularis howellii grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Pedicularis howellii prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pedicularis howellii?

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Pedicularis howellii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Pedicularis howellii?

Feed Pedicularis howellii 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 howellii?

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 howellii?

Pedicularis howellii can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to marsh lousewort plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Pedicularis howellii Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Pedicularis howellii, 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 howellii?

Pedicularis howellii 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 howellii Need?

Pedicularis howellii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Pedicularis howellii is native to the Siskiyou Mountains of the Klamath Range in southern Oregon and northern California. In cooler regions, grow Pedicularis howellii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Pedicularis howellii 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 howellii 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 howellii A.Gray, family Orobanchaceae (first published in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 20: 307 (1885)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Pedicularis howellii, 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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