Contents
Description
Castilleja Fissifolia, commonly known as the Great Basin Indian Paintbrush, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to North America and is found in the Great Basin region of the United States. The plant can grow up to a height of 30 cm and has green, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are tubular and range in color from red to orange, and sometimes even yellow.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
The Great Basin Indian Paintbrush has green, lance-shaped leaves that are 2-7 cm long and 2-8 mm wide. The flowers are tubular and range in color from red to orange, and sometimes even yellow. The plant can grow up to a height of 30 cm and has a slender stem that is covered with tiny hairs. The flowers bloom from June to August.
Care Guide
- Water: The Great Basin Indian Paintbrush requires moderate watering. Water the plant once a week, depending on the weather conditions and the moisture level of the soil.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require heavy fertilization. However, you can add a small amount of organic fertilizer during the growing season.
- Soil: The Great Basin Indian Paintbrush requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions, but it does not like extreme temperatures.
- Hardiness Zones: The Great Basin Indian Paintbrush grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Great Basin Indian Paintbrush is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, rust, and aphids. To prevent these problems, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overwatering. If necessary, treat the plant with a fungicide or insecticide.
Habitat
The Great Basin Indian Paintbrush is native to North America and is found in the Great Basin region of the United States. It grows in dry, rocky areas and can be found in meadows, sagebrush flats, and along roadsides. The plant is adapted to the hot and dry conditions of the Great Basin and can survive in areas with low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Great Basin Indian Paintbrush a perennial plant?
A: Yes, the Great Basin Indian Paintbrush is a herbaceous perennial plant.
Q: What is the blooming season of the Great Basin Indian Paintbrush?
A: The flowers of the Great Basin Indian Paintbrush bloom from June to August.
Q: What is the ideal pH for the soil of the Great Basin Indian Paintbrush?
A: The soil pH for the Great Basin Indian Paintbrush should be slightly acidic to neutral.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of the Great Basin Indian Paintbrush?
A: The Great Basin Indian Paintbrush can be affected by powdery mildew, rust, and aphids.
Related Plants
- Castilleja Applegatei
- Castilleja Chromosa
- Castilleja Gracillima
- Castilleja Miniata
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/castilleja_fissifolia.shtml
- https://www.desertusa.com/flora/castilleja-fissifolia.html
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAFI2
