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Description
Castilleja Mendocinensis, commonly known as Mendocino Indian paintbrush, is a beautiful flowering plant native to Mendocino County in California. It belongs to the Orobanchaceae family and is a herbaceous perennial. The plant can grow up to 1.5 feet tall and 1 foot wide, and has a bright red-orange flower that blooms from late spring to early summer. The plant’s stem and leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving it a fuzzy appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
The Mendocino Indian paintbrush has a unique appearance with its bright red-orange flowers and fuzzy stem and leaves. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem and have a tubular shape with a hood-like upper lip and a lower lip divided into three lobes. The plant’s leaves are lance-shaped and have a slightly toothed edge. The stem and leaves are covered in fine hairs that give it a soft, fuzzy texture.
Care Guide
The Mendocino Indian paintbrush is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and does not require much watering, except in extreme heat. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer can help promote growth. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10, and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F. It is best to avoid overwatering or planting in heavy clay soil, as this can cause root rot.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Mendocino Indian paintbrush is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if planted in heavy or poorly-draining soil. Overwatering can also lead to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. It is important to ensure the plant has good drainage and is not overwatered.
Habitat
Mendocino Indian paintbrush is native to the coastal region of California, specifically Mendocino County. It grows in open meadows and grasslands, often in rocky or sandy soil. The plant is adapted to the coastal climate, which has cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. In its native habitat, it is often found growing alongside other native plants such as lupines, poppies, and yarrow.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Mendocino Indian paintbrush a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, the Mendocino Indian paintbrush is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for and does not require much attention.
Q: Can the Mendocino Indian paintbrush be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow the Mendocino Indian paintbrush in containers, it is not recommended as the plant prefers well-draining soil and can be susceptible to root rot in containers.
Q: How often should the Mendocino Indian paintbrush be watered?
A: The Mendocino Indian paintbrush is drought-tolerant and does not require much watering, except in extreme heat. It is best to let the soil dry out between waterings.
Q: Does the Mendocino Indian paintbrush attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the Mendocino Indian paintbrush is attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, which are important pollinators for the plant.
Related Plants
- Castilleja Arachnoidea
- Castilleja Applegatei
- Castilleja Chromosa
- Castilleja Latifolia
References
- “Castilleja Mendocinensis.” Calflora. Accessed July 16, 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=1655.
- “Castilleja Mendocinensis.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed July 16, 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CAME6.
- “Mendocino Indian Paintbrush.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Accessed July 16, 2021. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/217–castilleja-mendocinensis.
