Flowers of the Alps

Stemless Lousewort

Pedicularis acaulis

Photographed at the Kreuzjoch (2210m), Stubai Alps, by Allan Hartley

Despite its name (acaulis means without stem) this plant does have a short single stem topped with individual purple-pink flower heads, flowering between April and June. The base of the flower is a bell-shaped tube with five uneven teeth at the top. The hairless leaves are arranged in a rosette. It is classified as a parasitic plant because its fleshy roots suck the sap of other plant roots. It can grow up to 10cm in height and is found on gravel and stony limestone from 400 – 1500m, typically on pastures, razed grassland and forest trails.

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