Wavyleaf Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja applegatei

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Orobanchaceae
Genus:
Castilleja
Species:
Castilleja applegatei
USDA Symbol:
CAAP4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
50 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
red, orange, yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Heliothis oregonica, ⚠️Edith's checkerspot (Euphydryas editha), Thessalia leanira, Variable checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
hummingbirds, butterflies, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown after fire. Often increases in abundance following burns in sagebrush and montane habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
often found in mountainous or arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Requires host plant for establishment as hemiparasite. Seeds need light for germination.

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: This plant grows in Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming in shrub-Steppe, West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest type environments. Seed retention is high, so seeds can be collected late in the season.

Source: npn.rngr.net