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Description
Castilleja Thompsonii, commonly known as Thompson’s Indian paintbrush, is a flowering plant native to western North America. It belongs to the Orobanchaceae family and is a hemiparasitic perennial herb that grows up to 15 inches tall. Its scientific name honors the American botanist Charles Chevalier Thompson.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
Appearance
Castilleja Thompsonii has bright red or orange tubular flowers that are about 1 inch long and bloom from May to August. The flowers are surrounded by green or yellow bracts that are often tinged with purple. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, and the stem is hairy and often reddish. The plant’s root system is shallow and fibrous.
Care Guide
Castilleja Thompsonii is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping it healthy:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater. It prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate standing water.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, sandy soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun or partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Castilleja Thompsonii is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Castilleja Thompsonii is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. It can also be affected by powdery mildew if grown in humid conditions. Aphids and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant.
Habitat
Castilleja Thompsonii is native to western North America, where it grows in dry, rocky areas such as sagebrush steppe and montane meadows. It is often found growing in association with other wildflowers such as lupines, penstemons, and balsamroots.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Castilleja Thompsonii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Can Castilleja Thompsonii tolerate drought conditions?
A: Yes, it is drought-tolerant once established, but it still needs regular watering during the growing season.
Q: How do I propagate Castilleja Thompsonii?
A: It can be propagated by seed or by taking stem cuttings in the spring.
Q: Does Castilleja Thompsonii attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is a popular nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Related Plants
- Castilleja Miniata
- Castilleja Occidentalis
- Castilleja Chromosa
- Castilleja Applegatei
References
- “Castilleja Thompsonii (Thompson’s Indian paintbrush).” Montana Field Guide. Montana Natural Heritage Program. https://fieldguide.mt.gov/species/1073
- “Castilleja Thompsonii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CATH8
- “Castilleja Thompsonii.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CATH8
