Marsh Lousewort
EN

Marsh Lousewort

Pedicularis palustris

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Marsh Lousewort faces severe decline primarily due to wetland drainage and agricultural intensification across its European range. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in water table levels and nutrient enrichment from agricultural runoff, which alters the delicate chemistry of its bog and fen habitats. Climate change compounds these pressures by affecting precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency in critical wetland areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

Marsh Lousewort inhabits wet meadows, fens, bogs, and marshy grasslands with consistently high water tables and low nutrient levels. The species requires calcium-rich, alkaline soils and is typically found in areas with seasonal flooding or permanent moisture.

Other threatened species in Orobanchaceae

LousewortVU

Lousewort

Pedicularis sylvatica

Unknown
Yellow-rattleVU

Yellow-rattle

Rhinanthus minor

Unknown
greater yellow-rattleCR

greater yellow-rattle

Rhinanthus alectorolophus

Unknown
Euphrasia dunensisCR

Euphrasia dunensis

Unknown

Threatened in Åland Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Syndyas nigripes

Unknown
Chrysotus cupreusCR

Chrysotus cupreus

Unknown
VU

narulukkokiiluri

Syntormon filiger

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Marsh Lousewort classified as Endangered?
Marsh Lousewort is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Marsh Lousewort faces severe decline primarily due to wetland drainage and agricultural intensification across its European range. The species is particularly vulnerable to changes in water table levels and nutrient enrichment from agricultural runoff, which alters the delicate chemistry of its bog and fen habitats. Climate change compounds these pressures by affecting precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency in critical wetland areas.
Where does Marsh Lousewort live?
Marsh Lousewort occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, and Bulgaria (plus 39 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Marsh Lousewort?
The main threats to Marsh 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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