Pedicularis Groenlandica, Elephant Heads
Plants > Wildflowers > Orobanchaceae > Pedicularis Groenlandica
Common name:
Elephant heads
Family:
Scientific name:
Pedicularis groenlandica
Main flower color:
Range:
Mountainous regions of all the Western states
Height:
2 feet or more
Habitat:
Streamsides and moist meadows, in high elevation areas
Leaves:
Fern-like; narrow and up to 10 inches long, divided into many small, pointed, toothed segments
Season:
June to November
The unusual, elongated flower clusters of pedicularis groenlandica grow from the top half of its relatively tall, thick, ridged stalks (reddish when young, later green), the lower portions of which bear toothed, fern-like leaves. Individual flowers are characterized by a curved, projecting upper lip like the trunk of an elephant, and a three-lobed lower lip; the two side lobes resemble ears, while the middle lobe lies beneath, somewhat hidden.
The plant is quite common in its specific habitat of mountain streamsides and boggy meadows, seen in such locations as the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, the Colorado Rockies and the Yellowstone-Grand Teton area. Pink is the usual flower color, but pure white varieties are sometimes found.
The plant is quite common in its specific habitat of mountain streamsides and boggy meadows, seen in such locations as the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, the Colorado Rockies and the Yellowstone-Grand Teton area. Pink is the usual flower color, but pure white varieties are sometimes found.
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