Longleaf Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja subinclusa
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © mjm_oak (iNaturalist #198182993)






Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Orobanchaceae
- Genus:
- Castilleja
- Species:
- Castilleja subinclusa
- USDA Symbol:
- CASU10
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Parasite
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- red, orange, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown following fire; benefits from periodic burning that reduces competition.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Hemiparasitic; requires host plant roots nearby for successful establishment. Germination can be erratic.
Pre-treatment: Soak seeds overnight in fresh water. Cold stratify at 40F in ph neutral peat for 3 weeks, or until seeds start to germinate.
Establishment: Transplant success is highly dependent on root mass at time of transplanting. To encourage large roots in the flat, allow seedling to grow until root ball is well formed, and at least 2 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.
Source: npn.rngr.net