Contents
Description
Castilleja affinis is a plant species commonly known as Coast Indian paintbrush. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has a cluster of colorful flowers at the top of the stem. The flowers can range from yellow, orange, pink, to red. The plant has a unique relationship with pollinators, as it relies on hummingbirds for pollination. It is commonly found in the western coastal region of North America, from British Columbia to California.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
Castilleja affinis has a unique appearance with its colorful flowers and long stem. The leaves are simple and lanceolate, with a length of 10-20 cm. The stem is hairy and can range from green to reddish-brown. The flowers can be up to 5 cm long and have a tubular shape. The inflorescence is a dense cluster of flowers at the top of the stem. The color of the flowers can vary from yellow, orange, pink, to red, and they have a woolly texture.
Care Guide
Castilleja affinis is a low maintenance plant that can thrive in various conditions. Here are some care guidelines:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate drought once established.- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a year.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Castilleja affinis is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, here are some common issues:- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can affect the leaves and stems of the plant, causing a white powdery coating. It can be treated with a fungicide.- Aphids: These small insects can infest the plant, causing damage to the leaves and flowers. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Castilleja affinis is commonly found in the western coastal region of North America, from British Columbia to California. It can be found in various habitats, such as meadows, grasslands, and open woods. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Castilleja affinis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Castilleja affinis be watered?
A: The plant prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Q: Can Castilleja affinis be propagated by seeds?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be sown in the fall or early spring.
Q: Is Castilleja affinis toxic to pets?
A: There is no reported toxicity of the plant to pets, but it is always best to keep pets away from plants that are not typically consumed.
Related Plants
– Castilleja miniata- Castilleja exserta- Castilleja integra- Castilleja latifolia
References
– USDA Plants Database: Castilleja affinis- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Castilleja affinis- Pacific Northwest Wildflowers: Castilleja affinis
