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Description
Castilleja Campestris, commonly known as the plains Indian paintbrush, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to the Great Plains of North America, including Canada and the United States. The plant grows up to 1.5 feet tall and has a slender stem with an inflorescence of small, bright red to yellow flowers. The flowers are surrounded by showy bracts, which give the plant its distinctive appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
Castilleja Campestris has a slender stem with an inflorescence of small, bright red to yellow flowers. The flowers are surrounded by showy bracts, which can be red, orange, or yellow in color. The leaves are green and lanceolate in shape, and the plant grows up to 1.5 feet tall. The plant’s distinctive appearance is due to the colorful bracts that surround the flowers.
Care Guide
Castilleja Campestris prefers well-draining, moist soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be grown in hardiness zones 4 to 8. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a month. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Prune the plant after flowering to promote growth and maintain its shape.
Common Pests & Diseases
Castilleja Campestris is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide. Aphids and spider mites can also infest the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Castilleja Campestris is native to the Great Plains of North America, including Canada and the United States. It grows in open grasslands and prairies, and can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Castilleja Campestris a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Castilleja Campestris is a good plant for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Castilleja Campestris be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Castilleja Campestris can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: What is the best time of year to plant Castilleja Campestris?
A: The best time to plant Castilleja Campestris is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild.
Q: How often should Castilleja Campestris be fertilized?
A: Castilleja Campestris should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Castilleja Miniata
- Castilleja Angustifolia
- Castilleja Occidentalis
References
- “Castilleja Campestris.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h940.
- “Castilleja Campestris.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CACA.
- “Plains Indian Paintbrush.” USDA Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/castilleja_campestris.shtml.
