I am not a parasite

Pedicularis parryi, June 27, 2023

Common & scientific name

Parry’s lousewort, Pedicularis parryi

Family

Broomrape, Orobanchaceae

Location

Above Linkins Lake, 12,100’

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.

Linkins Lake area, 12,200’, July 11, 2023