Longleaf Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja subinclusa

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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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