Pedicularis canadensis, commonly called Canadian lousewort[1] or wood betony,[2] is a flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae.

[10][11] Two subspecies are accepted:[11] Wood betony is broadly distributed across eastern North America, from Quebec west to Manitoba, south to Mexico, and east to Florida.

[4][5] It occurs in a variety of habitats, including mesic to dry prairies, savannas, barrens, and woodlands.

American Indians used a root infusion as a remedy for stomachaches, diarrhea, anemia and heart trouble and made a poultice for swellings, tumors and sore muscles.

The root was also used to heal broken marriages by placing it in food the couple would both eat, hoping its magic would rekindle romance.