Pedicularis parryi, June 27, 2020
Common & scientific name
Parry’s lousewort, Pedicularis parryi
Family
Broomrape, Orobanchaceae
Location
Fryingpan Lakes & North Fork Lake Creek saddle, 12,400’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
With characteristic beaked flowers and fern-like leaves, this highest growing and smallest of the fascinating Pedicularis genus whorls around on itself in delightful fashion. It is hemiparasitic (hence its move from the Snapdragon family into the Broomrape family), meaning it produces chlorophyll and thus can survive on its own, but obtains additional nutrients from the roots of other plants.