Stiff Yellow Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja lutescens
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © bstarzomski (iNaturalist #121264028)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Orobanchaceae
- Genus:
- Castilleja
- Species:
- Castilleja lutescens
- USDA Symbol:
- CALU14
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Parasite
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, greenish-yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Amblyptilia pica, Scrobipalpula lutescella, Stenoptilodes maea, verbena bud moth (Endothenia hebesana)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained sandy or gravelly soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold moist stratification; surface sow on sterile medium.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI