Yellow Lousewort
Also called capitate lousewort or many-headed lousewort
- Iñupiaq name: Unavailable
- Family: Scrophulariaceae
- Scientific name: Pedicularis capitata
- Distinguishing characteristics: Leaves grow near the base of the plant and are deeply lobed with short white hairs. The capitate (head-like) yellow flowers sit on top of the stem in a cluster.
- Similar species: Yellow lousewort produces flowers that look similar to woolly lousewort, but the flowers of yellow lousewort are yellow, and grow on the top of a long stem, unlike the flowers of woolly lousewort.
- Habitat: Moist or dry tundra, prefers gravelly areas. Sometimes found in heath.
- Best time to harvest: April to June
- Uses: Sweet flowers are eaten occasionally.
Photo by Irina Shcheglova
Photo via Yukon Species Inventory Project
Photo via Alaska Wildflowers