Pedicularis canadensis WOOD BETONY

There are several flowers that look to be spinning. Two like this are PASTURE ROSE as it begins to open and PASTURE THISTLE when in full bloom. This species, Pedicularis canadensis WOOD BETONY, is the earliest to bloom with this type of flowering head; it is also one of the first flowers to bloom in early spring.

Pedicularis canadensis WOOD BETONY was believed, when eaten, to cause lice in cattle. The basal leaves are almost fern-like in structure. This is one of those wildflowers that you will pretty much find only in quality prairie remnants (or deliberately seeded in restorations). This species is featured in my first book, Abundant Splendor.