King Charles' Sceptre / Moor-king (Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum)

Swedish: Kung Karls spira | English: King Charles' Sceptre | Family: Orobanchaceae

King Charles' Sceptre / Moor-king (Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum)

Botanical illustration of King Charles' Sceptre (Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum)

Botanical illustration: King Charles' Sceptre (Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum), Swedish 'Kung Karls spira'.

The Karl's scepter (Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum), Swedish Kung Karls spira, is one of the most impressive plant species in Scandinavia.

The famous botanist Olof Rudbeck named this bog plant, which is up to 80 cm high, in honor of the Swedish King Charles XII. The large, helmet-shaped yellow flowers have a reddish-brown lip.

Facts & Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Karlszepter
  • Category / Order: Pflanzen (Flora)
  • Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten: Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten
  • Native to Northern Sweden: Native to Northern Sweden

Questions & Answers (FAQ)

Where does the name Kung Karls spira come from?

It was named in honor of the Swedish King Charles XII. chosen because the tightly upright inflorescence is reminiscent of a royal scepter.

Where does Charlemagne's scepter grow?

In undisturbed, lime-rich fens, wet meadows and springy floodplains in Lapland.

Planning a vacation in northern Sweden?

Experience the unique nature around Burträsk directly from our cozy holiday home. Dogs welcome, canoe and SUP included!