Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Dudley's Lousewort


Pico Blanco Scout Reservation hosts the state-listed rare plant Dudley's Lousewort, Pedicularis dudleyi.

It is found on riverside terraces, especially near Old-Growth Douglas-Fir. Only three small populations exist in the entire world- all in California. These include specific sections of Pescadero Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Arroyo De La Cruz In the South Santa Lucia Mountains, and finally the Little Sure River in the Santa Lucia mountains where Camp Pico Blanco is located.

Additionally, one of the largest patches of it occurs in Pico.

The plant is currently being researched in camp, and scouts visiting camp have the rare opportunity to view and learn about this extremely rare and special plant.