Photographs: Ballingeary, Co. Cork

Lousewort Pedicularis sylvatica subsp. sylvatica Lus an ghiolla Family: Scrophulariaceae Flowering time: May-August. Perennial. Native. Pink flowers. Upper hooded lip slightly curved, 2-toothed. Calyx is hairless, 5-angled with 4 leafy lobes. Many stems growing from base of plant. Leaves pinnate, glabrous. Semi-parasitic. Height: 10-20cm. Common on damp heaths, upland grasslands and bogs. Similar: Irish Lousewort, P. sylvatica subsp. hibernica with hairy calyx and Marsh Lousewort, P. palustris, a taller plant on wetter ground

Lousewort, Pedicularis sylvatica, Lus an ghiolla