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Description
Castilleja Lanata, commonly known as the woolly Indian paintbrush, is a perennial herb belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to western North America and can be found in the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Range. The plant can grow up to 20 inches in height and has a dense, woolly covering on its stems and leaves. Its flowers are bright red or orange and bloom from May to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
Castilleja Lanata has a distinctive appearance due to its dense woolly covering. The stem and leaves are covered in long, soft hairs that give it a fuzzy appearance. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with pointed tips and smooth edges. The flowers are arranged in spikes and are bright red or orange in color, with a yellow or greenish-yellow tint at the base. The plant can grow up to 20 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
Care Guide
To care for Castilleja Lanata, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, and sunlight. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8.Water: The plant should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.Soil: Castilleja Lanata prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to partial shade to grow properly.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Castilleja Lanata is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if it is planted in poorly-drained soil. The plant may also be damaged by deer and rabbits, which may eat the leaves and stems.
Habitat
Castilleja Lanata is native to western North America and can be found in the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Cascade Range. It grows in meadows, open forests, and rocky slopes, often at high elevations.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Castilleja Lanata a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Castilleja Lanata is a relatively easy plant to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: How often should I fertilize Castilleja Lanata?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Q: Can Castilleja Lanata tolerate drought?
A: No, Castilleja Lanata prefers to be watered regularly and cannot tolerate drought.
Q: How tall does Castilleja Lanata grow?
A: Castilleja Lanata can grow up to 20 inches tall.
Related Plants
- Castilleja Miniata
- Castilleja Occidentalis
- Castilleja Chromosa
- Castilleja Indivisa
References
- “Castilleja Lanata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 May 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j790.
- “Castilleja Lanata.” Plant Finder. Accessed 15 May 2021. www.plantdelights.com/products/castilleja-lanata.
- “Woolly Indian Paintbrush.” National Park Service. Accessed 15 May 2021. www.nps.gov/articles/woolly-indian-paintbrush.htm.
