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Description
Castilleja Austromontana, commonly known as South Mountain Indian paintbrush, is a herbaceous plant species belonging to the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to the United States and typically found in the southwestern states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This plant is known for its showy, bright red or orange-red tubular flowers that bloom from March to July.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
Castilleja Austromontana typically grows up to 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. The leaves are gray-green, lance-shaped, and grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers are arranged in a dense spike and are about 1-2 inches long. The bright red or orange-red tubular flowers are surrounded by showy bracts that are yellow, orange, or red. The flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds.
Care Guide
Castilleja Austromontana requires well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 7-10. Water the plant regularly during its growing season, but be careful not to overwater it. Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Common Pests & Diseases
Castilleja Austromontana is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot diseases. To prevent these diseases, make sure the plant is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Castilleja Austromontana is native to the southwestern United States and is typically found in rocky or sandy soils in open woodlands, grasslands, and desert scrublands. It is often found at elevations between 4,500 and 7,000 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Castilleja Austromontana?
A: Water the plant regularly during its growing season, but be careful not to overwater it.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Castilleja Austromontana?
A: Castilleja Austromontana is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Castilleja Austromontana?
A: Castilleja Austromontana is relatively pest and disease-free, but it may be susceptible to rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot diseases.
Q: What is the scientific name for Castilleja Austromontana?
A: The scientific name for Castilleja Austromontana is Castilleja austromontana.
Related Plants
- Castilleja Chromosa
- Castilleja Indivisa
- Castilleja Miniata
- Castilleja Parviflora
References
- Arizona Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Castilleja austromontana. Retrieved from https://aznps.com/plants/castilleja-austromontana/
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). PLANTS Profile for Castilleja austromontana. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CAAU2
- Wikipedia. (2021, March 9). Castilleja austromontana. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castilleja_austromontana
