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Description
Castilleja Hispida, commonly known as Harsh Indian paintbrush or Downy paintbrush, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. This plant is native to North America and is found in the western United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The plant typically grows up to a height of 24 inches and has a spread of up to 12 inches. It blooms during the summer season, producing bright red or orange flowers that attract pollinators like hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
Castilleja Hispida has green, hairy leaves that grow up to 4 inches in length. The stem of the plant is also hairy and can be reddish or greenish-brown in color. The flowers of the plant grow in clusters and can be up to 2 inches long. They are typically bright red or orange, although they can also be yellow or pink. The plant produces a fruit capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
To care for Castilleja Hispida, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and to ensure it is grown in the appropriate hardiness zones. This plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It requires moderate to high water, but be sure not to overwater or let the soil become waterlogged. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Castilleja Hispida prefers full sun to partial shade, and it grows well in hardiness zones 3 through 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Castilleja Hispida is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pest and disease damage and take appropriate measures to treat the issue.
Habitat
Castilleja Hispida is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, prairies, woodlands, and sagebrush steppe. The plant typically grows in well-draining soil and prefers areas with full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Castilleja Hispida toxic to humans or pets?
A: No, Castilleja Hispida is not toxic to humans or pets.
Q: Can Castilleja Hispida be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Castilleja Hispida can be grown in containers, but it requires a larger pot due to its taproot.
Q: How often should Castilleja Hispida be fertilized?
A: Castilleja Hispida should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Castilleja Hispida attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the bright red or orange flowers of Castilleja Hispida attract pollinators like hummingbirds.
Related Plants
- Castilleja Miniata
- Castilleja Chromosa
- Castilleja Applegatei
- Castilleja Angustifolia
References
- “Castilleja Hispida.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f920.
- “Castilleja Hispida.” USDA Plants Database, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CAHI18.
- “Harsh Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja Hispida).” San Diego Zoo Animals and Plants, animals.sandiegozoo.org/plants/harsh-indian-paintbrush.
