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Wood betony's numerous yellow (less commonly, reddish brown) flowers arise from a spike (raceme) at the apex of the stem; the blooms open in a wave from the base of the spike to its tip. The flowers tend to be twisted clockwise around their long axis by about 30° so that, viewed from above, the flower spike looks like a pinwheel. Individual flowers are 1/2-1" long, tubular, with a hood-like upper lip that curves down into two small "teeth" or "fangs" at its tip (a distinguishing character of this species) and a paler or white three-lobed lower lip that functions as a landing pad for pollinators. The four stamens are hidden under the upper lip of the corolla; they are of two lengths with light yellow anthers. The single style is also largely hidden under the upper corolla lip, although the tip of the style may protrude; the stigma looks like the head of a common pin. The fruit is a 1/2" long, angular capsule reminiscent of a shoe tree (as in footwear, not plants) that is initially green, turning brown as it matures.

Pedicularis

Pedicularis canadensis

wood betony [Blooms: Apr-Jun]