Lousewort
VU

Lousewort

Pedicularis sylvatica

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedicularis_sylvatica

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Lousewort faces severe decline across its European range due to the widespread drainage and conversion of wet heathlands and bog margins for agriculture and forestry. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in water table levels, as it requires consistently moist, nutrient-poor soils that are increasingly rare in modern landscapes. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites.

Threat summary

Habitat

Lousewort inhabits wet heathlands, bog margins, and damp grasslands, typically on acidic, nutrient-poor soils with high moisture content. The species thrives in open, low-growing vegetation communities where competition from taller plants is limited by waterlogged conditions.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Lousewort classified as Vulnerable?
Lousewort is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Lousewort faces severe decline across its European range due to the widespread drainage and conversion of wet heathlands and bog margins for agriculture and forestry. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in water table levels, as it requires consistently moist, nutrient-poor soils that are increasingly rare in modern landscapes. Habitat fragmentation has isolated remaining populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting natural recolonization of suitable sites.
Where does Lousewort live?
Lousewort occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Lousewort?
The main threats to Lousewort are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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