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If you look closely (even not so close,) it is easy to tell why this is called Elephant's head. This one pulls on my heart strings because Elephants are one of my very favorite animals. Each individual blossom looks like an elephant's head, complete with head, ears and trunk. The flowers are a lovely shade of pinkish-purple. It is also referred to as Greenland Lousewort, but has nothing to do with Greenland at all and is actually a very important US Native. 

 

It is native to the following states:

Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Idaho
Montana
New Mexico
Oregon
Utah
Washington
Wyoming

 

These thrive in moist soils and are often found near stream banks, moist alpine meadows and marshes. It needs consistent moisture without being waterlogged. It is especially important that the soil remains moist throughout the entire germination process. The soil should never be allowed to dry out, particularly while waiting for germination and when plants are young. Keeping plastic wrap over the pots is a great way to do this, but be sure to remove it after seeds have germinated. After that point, a mist sprayer is helpful. 

 

The plants grow in elevations between 6,000 and 12,000 feet, I do not recommend trying to grow it unless you can provide the natural conditions as outlined above. 

 

The plants long blooming period is an essential source of nectar for native pollinators, particularly when it is growing in areas where such sources are not as abundant, such as in alpine and subarctic regions. They love the unique tubular flowers that are nectar and pollen rich. 

 

The leaves are very attractive and fern-like

 

It is also a plant that is used in traditional medicine. I encourage you to research this. 

 

Grows up to 2 feet tall

 

Like most cooler climate perennials, it requires a period of cold to break dormancy. This can be achieved by sowing the seeds outdoors in fall/winter or simulating these conditions in your refrigerator by folding the seeds into a moist paper towel and sealing it in a ziploc bag and placing it in your refrigerator for 30 to 90 days, then remove and sow when temps are between 60 and 70 degrees. It is really important to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours prior to sowing or prior to refrigeration if artificially stratifying.

 

Perennial zones 3-7

 

This is for 20 Seeds

Elephant's Head, US Native Widlflower, Greenland Lousewort, Pedicularis Groenlan

SKU: PD0120
$3.99Price
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