Wood Betony emerges in early April with surprising maroon foliage. This fun color fades to traditional green as the leaves fan out and the spring season sets in. Fuzzy stems rise to about 1’ tall and are sturdy enough to support the disproportionately large and rather ponderous-looking flowerheads. Tiers of lipped, tubular blooms stretch and curve away, creating a layered pinwheel effect when viewed from above. Most flowers are a buttery yellow, but some have coral-colored accents. The blossoms fade and dry, leaving tiny little cupped structures which expel the seed when it is ripe.
Pedicularis canadensis performs best in full sun or part shade; flowers and foliage hues are more potent in sunny sites. This plant will tolerate a wide range of soil moistures as long as there is a decent amount of particulate matter and good drainage. Wood Betony is a hemiparasitic species; it will tap into its neighbor’s root systems and siphon nutrients for its own benefit. This may stunt the host, but typically it will not kill the surrounding plants. Wood Betony is capable of supporting itself, but it will thrive if situated among other species.
The early bloom time makes Wood Betony an important nectar source for emerging pollinators. Queen Bumblebees frequently visit this species.
Pedicularis canadensis performs best in full sun or part shade; flowers and foliage hues are more potent in sunny sites. This plant will tolerate a wide range of soil moistures as long as there is a decent amount of particulate matter and good drainage. Wood Betony is a hemiparasitic species; it will tap into its neighbor’s root systems and siphon nutrients for its own benefit. This may stunt the host, but typically it will not kill the surrounding plants. Wood Betony is capable of supporting itself, but it will thrive if situated among other species.
The early bloom time makes Wood Betony an important nectar source for emerging pollinators. Queen Bumblebees frequently visit this species.
