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Description
Castilleja Pilosa, commonly known as Hairy Indian Paintbrush, is a beautiful perennial plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including dry meadows, sagebrush flats, and open forests. The plant grows up to 12-18 inches tall and has green leaves that are hairy and lance-shaped. Its unique and beautiful flowers are what make it stand out. They are bright red or orange-yellow and grow in dense spikes that resemble a paintbrush. Castilleja Pilosa blooms from late spring to early summer and attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and bees.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
Castilleja Pilosa has a unique and beautiful appearance, thanks to its bright red or orange-yellow flowers that resemble a paintbrush. The flowers grow in dense spikes that can reach up to 4 inches long. The plant grows up to 12-18 inches tall and has green leaves that are hairy and lance-shaped. The leaves are about 2-4 inches long and 0.2-0.4 inches wide.
Care Guide
Growing and caring for Castilleja Pilosa is relatively easy. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Castilleja Pilosa prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Castilleja Pilosa doesn’t require much fertilizer. You can add a balanced fertilizer in early spring before the plant starts to bloom.
- Soil: Castilleja Pilosa prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
- Sunlight: Castilleja Pilosa prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well.
- Hardiness Zones: Castilleja Pilosa is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Castilleja Pilosa is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust. To prevent these diseases, make sure you plant Castilleja Pilosa in well-draining soil and avoid overhead watering. If you notice any signs of these diseases, use a fungicide to treat the plant.
Habitat
Castilleja Pilosa is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including dry meadows, sagebrush flats, and open forests. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Castilleja Pilosa is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Castilleja Pilosa grow in containers?
A: Yes, Castilleja Pilosa can grow in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.Q: How often should I water Castilleja Pilosa?
A: Castilleja Pilosa prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.Q: When is the best time to plant Castilleja Pilosa?
A: The best time to plant Castilleja Pilosa is in the spring, after the last frost.Q: How tall does Castilleja Pilosa grow?
A: Castilleja Pilosa grows up to 12-18 inches tall.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may also be interested in:
- Castilleja Miniata
- Castilleja Applegatei
- Castilleja Angustifolia
References
- “Castilleja Pilosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277690.
- “Castilleja Pilosa.” USDA Plants Database, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CAPIM.
- “Hairy Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja Pilosa).” U.S. Forest Service, www.fs.usda.gov/detail/bdnf/home/?cid=stelprd3824373.
