Castilleja Minor

Description

Castilleja Minor, commonly known as Lesser Indian paintbrush or Red Indian paintbrush, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to the western regions of North America, including California, Oregon, and Washington. The plant has striking red, orange, or yellow flowers that are shaped like a paintbrush, hence the name “paintbrush.”Castilleja Minor grows up to 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide. It has a central stem that is covered with small green leaves. The flowers are clustered at the top of the stem and have a tubular shape with a hooded upper lip and a lower lip that spreads out into three lobes.

Taxonomic Information

Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Plantae
Phylum:	Tracheophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Orobanchaceae
Genus:	Castilleja
Species:	Castilleja Minor

Appearance

Castilleja Minor has a unique appearance with its striking paintbrush-like flowers. The flowers are typically bright red, but they can also be orange or yellow. The tubular shape of the flowers is made up of fused petals that extend into a long, narrow tube. The upper lip of the flower is hooded, while the lower lip is split into three lobes.The central stem of the plant is green and covered in small leaves. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a pointed tip. The plant grows up to 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide, making it a great choice for small gardens or container planting.

Care Guide

To keep your Castilleja Minor healthy and blooming, follow these care guidelines:Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Castilleja Minor prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve drainage.Sunlight: Castilleja Minor prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure the plant gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Castilleja Minor is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Castilleja Minor is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly-draining soil. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is growing in well-draining soil and avoid over-watering.

Habitat

Castilleja Minor is native to the western regions of North America, including California, Oregon, and Washington. It is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and open forests. The plant prefers well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Castilleja Minor a good choice for container planting?
A: Yes, Castilleja Minor is a great choice for container planting as it grows up to 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide.Q: How often should I fertilize my Castilleja Minor?
A: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Is Castilleja Minor pest-resistant?
A: Yes, Castilleja Minor is generally pest-resistant.Q: Can Castilleja Minor tolerate full sun?
A: Yes, Castilleja Minor prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate full sun.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Castilleja Minor:

• Castilleja Chromosa
• Castilleja Exserta
• Castilleja Miniata
• Castilleja Procera

References

• “Castilleja Minor.” USDA Plants Database.
• “Castilleja.” Wikipedia.
• “Lesser Indian Paintbrush.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.