Pedicularis, a genus of herbs of the natural order Scrophulariaceæ, some of which have rather large and finely-coloured flowers.
Two species, P. palustris and P. sylvatica, are natives of Britain, common in wet grounds. Both have received the name of Lousewort, the English equivalent of 'pedicularis,' from their supposed influence in producing the lousy disease in sheep—an influence purely imaginary. Their acridity renders them obnoxious to sheep; but cattle, goats, and swine eat them. Continental Europe and the northern parts of Asia produce many other species, and some are found in North America. P. scep-Lousewort (Pedicularis palustris). trum, or King
Charles's Sceptre, is one of the principal ornaments of marshy grounds in the most northern countries of Europe. P. sylvatica is said to be astringent and serviceable in stopping hæmorrhage; and applied externally it helps to cleanse ulcers.