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Pedicularis bracteosa

Bracted Lousewort

Bracted Lousewort
aka Wood Betony, Fernleaf. Often the tallest plant in the meadow rising to 3′ (90 cm). The flowers are yellow and have the characteristic peculiar bird’s head shape and crowd together on a long spike (up to 7″) atop the stem. The leaves are fern-like with short or no stalks. Common on moist slopes and in meadows between 5,000′ to 7,000′ elevation.

Family:

Orobanchaceae - BROOM-RAPE FAMILY

Genus:

Pedicularis from Latin pediculus 'a louse' related to lice infestation

Species:

bracteosa means 'bracted' for modified leaves under the flower spike
Photo location: Crystal Peak Trail, Sourdough Ridge Trail west of Dege Peak and Mazama Ridge (meadow).