Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Orobanchaceae

Genus:

Castilleja

Species:

Castilleja levisecta

USDA Symbol:

CALE27

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Parasite

Height:

50 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

yellow, gold

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies, bees, hummingbirds

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Historically maintained by periodic fire in prairie ecosystems; fire reduces competing vegetation and promotes suitable habitat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers open prairies and meadows

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Hemiparasitic; requires host plant roots for establishment. Light required for germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI