Castilleja Arvensis

Description

Castilleja Arvensis, commonly known as the field Indian-paintbrush, is a wildflower that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. This perennial plant species is native to North America and can be found in many regions of the United States, including California, Texas, and Oklahoma. The plant is known for its stunningly vibrant flowers, which bloom in the late spring and early summer months. The Castilleja Arvensis’s flowers typically range in color from red to orange and yellow and are shaped like small tubes.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Lamiales
Family	Orobanchaceae
Genus	Castilleja

Appearance

The Castilleja Arvensis plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a mounding habit. The plant’s leaves are lance-shaped and can be up to 6 inches long. The Castilleja Arvensis’s flowers are its most distinctive feature, with their bright colors and unique shape. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem and can be up to 2 inches long. The tubes of the flowers are covered with small hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance.

Care Guide

Water

Castilleja Arvensis plants prefer moist soil but can tolerate some drought. It’s important to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the summer months. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Fertilization

Castilleja Arvensis plants don’t require much fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth and flowering.

Soil

These plants grow best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.

Sunlight

Castilleja Arvensis plants prefer full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.

Hardiness Zones

These plants are hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Castilleja Arvensis plants are generally disease-free and not bothered by many pests. However, they can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. If you notice an infestation, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Castilleja Arvensis plants are native to grasslands and meadows in North America. They grow well in open areas with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight.

Question and Answer

Q: Are Castilleja Arvensis plants toxic to pets?

A: Castilleja Arvensis plants are not toxic to pets.

Q: Can Castilleja Arvensis plants be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Castilleja Arvensis plants can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Castilleja Arvensis plant?

A: Castilleja Arvensis plants don’t require much fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is sufficient.

Q: How do I propagate Castilleja Arvensis plants?

A: Castilleja Arvensis plants can be propagated by seed or by dividing the rootball in the spring.

Related Plants

• Castilleja Miniata
• Castilleja Chromosa
• Castilleja Indivisa
• Castilleja Linariifolia

References

• USDA Plants Database: Castilleja Arvensis
• Missouri Botanical Garden: Castilleja Arvensis
• Gardening Know How: Castilleja Arvensis Care