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Description
Castilleja Caudata, commonly known as tall mountain paintbrush or western Indian paintbrush, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to western North America, particularly in the states of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
The Castilleja Caudata plant can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has lance-shaped green leaves that are 1-4 inches long and 0.25-1 inch wide. The flowers are dense spikes of bright red, pink, or yellow-orange bracts that are 1-2 inches long and surround the small, inconspicuous flowers. The blooming period is from May to August.
Care Guide
Castilleja Caudata requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures from -30 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It grows best in hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Castilleja Caudata is susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. It can also attract aphids and spider mites. To prevent these pests and diseases, make sure the plant is not overcrowded, and the soil is not too wet. Remove any infected leaves and apply an appropriate fungicide or insecticide.
Habitat
Castilleja Caudata grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, open woods, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions. It is commonly found at elevations of 3,000 to 11,000 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Castilleja Caudata a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the bright red, pink, or yellow-orange bracts of Castilleja Caudata attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Q: Can Castilleja Caudata be grown indoors?
A: No, Castilleja Caudata is a plant that requires full sun to partial shade and is best grown outdoors.
Q: How often should Castilleja Caudata be fertilized?
A: Castilleja Caudata should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Q: How do I propagate Castilleja Caudata?
A: Castilleja Caudata can be propagated by seed or division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Castilleja Applegatei
- Castilleja Chromosa
- Castilleja Endecaphylla
- Castilleja Miniata
- Castilleja Parviflora
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/castilleja_caudata.shtml
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CACA14
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/castilleja-caudata-tall-mountain-paintbrush
