Lousewort, Bracted aka Pedicularis (Pedicularis bracteosa)

Bracted Lousewort is a perennial native to the high mountainous regions and moist meadows of western North America. Its tall, upright stems are adorned with whorls of dense, tubular flowers ranging from soft pink to rose-purple, each subtly tipped with yellow. The conspicuous bracts beneath the blossoms give this species its common name and add an additional layer of visual interest, while the finely toothed foliage forms a lush green base. Bracted Lousewort attracts a variety of pollinators, particularly bumblebees, who are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers and play a key role in its reproductive success.

Pedicularis bracteosa is a plant that borrows a bit from its neighbors. It taps into the roots of nearby plants for extra nutrients, yet still gathers its own energy from the sun. This quiet strategy helps it flourish in many kinds of meadows and subtly shapes the mix of plants growing around it. Historically, Native American communities recognized the genus for its medicinal and ceremonial uses, and Pedicularis was thought to be a useful skeletal muscle relaxant. Today, it is primarily appreciated for its ornamental beauty and ecological significance in native plantings and meadow restorations. Sometimes this plant is referred to as Wood Betony, though not to be confused with Stachys officinalis, of the same name.