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Description
Castilleja Integrifolia, commonly known as the whole-leaf Indian paintbrush, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including meadows, sagebrush, open forests, and disturbed areas. The plant has a unique appearance, with showy red or orange flowers that bloom from May to August. The flowers are surrounded by modified leaves, which give them a brush-like appearance. The plant’s scientific name, Castilleja Integrifolia, is derived from the Spanish botanist, Domingo Castillejo.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
The Castilleja Integrifolia plant can grow up to 20 inches tall and has a compact, rounded growth habit. The leaves are lance-shaped and grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers are tubular and grow up to 1 inch long. The showy, bright red or orange flowers are surrounded by modified leaves, which give them a brush-like appearance. The plant’s stem is green, with a slightly hairy texture. The plant produces fruit in the form of a capsule, which contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Castilleja Integrifolia is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: The plant prefers moderate watering and should be watered regularly during the growing season. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Castilleja Integrifolia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Castilleja Integrifolia can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Castilleja Integrifolia is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and rust. These diseases can be prevented by providing adequate air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Castilleja Integrifolia is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including meadows, sagebrush, open forests, and disturbed areas. The plant is adaptable and can grow in a range of soil types and growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Castilleja Integrifolia be grown indoors?
A: Castilleja Integrifolia is a sun-loving plant and is not suitable for indoor growing. It should be grown outdoors in full sunlight.Q: How often should Castilleja Integrifolia be fertilized?
A: Castilleja Integrifolia should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: How tall can Castilleja Integrifolia grow?
A: Castilleja Integrifolia can grow up to 20 inches tall.Q: What is the blooming season for Castilleja Integrifolia?
A: Castilleja Integrifolia blooms from May to August.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Castilleja Integrifolia:- Castilleja Miniata- Castilleja Tenuis- Castilleja Occidentalis- Castilleja Chromosa
References
– United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Castilleja integrifolia. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CAIN9- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Castilleja integrifolia. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAIN9
