Plant Profile

Marsh Betony - (Pedicularis lanceolata) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the broomrape family that is native to most states surrounding the Great Lakes region. It can be found in a variety of habitats including open woods, fen/lowlands, thickets and clearings. It is a hemiparasite that attaches to the roots of different plants including some grasses** but also produces its own chlorophyll. (**Planting with sedges will increase overall plant health and success in transplanting.) 

The leaves are mostly in a basilar rosette with a few stem leaves. The lobed wavy-edged margins give it the look of a fern. In August-September a spike of 2-lipped cream colored flowers appears that bloom from the bottom up and attract bees.

Marsh Betony prefers average well-drained soils in sun to partial shade. Use in a naturalized area, open woodland or in native plantings.