Contents
Description
Castilleja Lutescens, commonly known as the Golden Paintbrush, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to North America, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and western Canada. This plant is known for its showy inflorescence, which blooms from May to July and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
The Castilleja Lutescens plant can grow up to 60cm in height and 30cm in width. It has a clumping habit, with multiple stems emerging from a single base. The leaves are lanceolate, with a green color and a slightly hairy texture. The flowers are tubular, and they are arranged in a dense inflorescence that can be up to 10cm long. The flowers have a bright yellow color, which fades to orange as they age. The plant’s roots are fibrous and shallow, making it easy to transplant.
Care Guide
The Castilleja Lutescens plant thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures as low as -29°C. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
- Sunlight: Place the plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Castilleja Lutescens grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Castilleja Lutescens plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections such as powdery mildew and rust. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing, mottled leaves and webbing on the plant.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal infection can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers.
- Rust: This fungal infection can cause orange or brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation.
Habitat
The Castilleja Lutescens plant is native to North America, specifically in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and western Canada. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, open woods, and coastal bluffs. It is often found in areas with moist soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Castilleja Lutescens tolerate drought?
A: No, this plant prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.
Q: How often should I fertilize Castilleja Lutescens?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Castilleja Lutescens?
A: Castilleja Lutescens grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8.
Q: How tall does Castilleja Lutescens grow?
A: Castilleja Lutescens can grow up to 60cm in height.
Related Plants
- Castilleja Miniata
- Castilleja Occidentalis
- Castilleja Rhexiifolia
- Castilleja Sulphurea
References
- “Castilleja Lutescens.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. University of Texas at Austin. Accessed 25 June 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CALU4
- “Castilleja Lutescens.” Washington Native Plant Society. Accessed 25 June 2021. https://www.wnps.org/plants/castilleja-lutescens
- “Golden Paintbrush (Castilleja Lutescens).” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Accessed 25 June 2021. https://www.fws.gov/pacific/ecoservices/endangered/recovery/GoldenPaintbrush.html
