Indian Warrior

Indian Warrior, Pedicularis densiflora, grows on gravely or sandy hillsides usually in wooded areas. This low growing plant turns scarlet as its buds mature. The stem is slightly hairy and can grow up to 10 inches tall but around here it is usually shorter.  A Native American tribe is said to have smoked its dried purple buds “for its narcotic effects.” Today, people use it as a muscle relaxant and, occasionally, as an aphrodisiac.

The plant has an unusual survival system.  It can, and often does, attach its roots to another plant to obtain nutrients and water from its host (thus it is called a hemiparasite). This  behavior can help it survive in areas with hot dry summers. Some of its favorite hosts are oaks and manzanitas so look for it where they are found. However, this parasitic system makes it difficult to cultivate and therefore it is rare in domestic gardens.

It is said that wild Indian warrior can absorb alkaloids from the soil and toxins from poison oak which makes it problematic for use as a medicine or narcotic.

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12 Comments
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Tj
Guest
Tj
14 years ago

Ahhh, you beat me to it. I was just going to post our Indian Warrior plants. I was so surprised to see them. It seems like winter never really came this year. Have you seen any Calypso Orchids yet?

Dawn
Guest
Dawn
8 years ago
Reply to  Tj

Yes I was surprised to see indian warrior already popping up this year on my land. I have seen a few calypso orchids so far, but not near as many as I usually find where I live…

Tj
Guest
Tj
14 years ago

Ahhh, you beat me to it. I was just going to post our Indian Warrior plants. I was so surprised to see them. It seems like winter never really came this year. Have you seen any Calypso Orchids yet?

Staff
Member
14 years ago

We don’t have any on our land. I keep hoping though…

Staff
Member
14 years ago

We don’t have any on our land. I keep hoping though…

Ben
Guest
Ben
14 years ago

Tui says Indian Warrior is a good dye plant.

Ben
Guest
Ben
14 years ago

Tui says Indian Warrior is a good dye plant.

Jackie Ginn
Guest
Jackie Ginn
14 years ago

Sure pretty for a parasite!

Jackie Ginn
Guest
Jackie Ginn
14 years ago

Sure pretty for a parasite!

forkboy
Guest
14 years ago

I’m with Jackie!

forkboy
Guest
14 years ago

I’m with Jackie!

will weissert
Guest
5 years ago

Doe3s anyone know exactly how problematic a tincture made from a plant grown near poison oak is? I was given a tincture and would love to try it out but there is some concern