Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush
(Castilleja integra)
Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja integra)
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Frederick Dennstedt from los angeles, usa
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Frederick Dennstedt from los angeles, usa
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Frederick Dennstedt from los angeles, usa | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: FlickreviewR 2 | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Castilleja_integra.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description = A Northern Catalpa tree flowering in Dallas, Tex. |Source = I created this work entirely by myself. |Date = May, 2009 |Author = ~~~ |other_versions = }} |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Castilleja integra, commonly known as Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush, is an evergreen perennial subshrub or herb. It is native to dry, open areas such as meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands in the Southwestern United States and Northwest Mexico. This plant typically grows to a height of 0.8-2 feet (0.2-0.6 meters) and a width of 0.8-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). The Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush has a distinctive appearance with narrow, linear leaves and inflorescences composed of bracts that are often brightly colored in shades of red, yellow, and orange, which are more noticeable than the true flowers. These bracts give the impression of a paintbrush dipped in paint, hence the common name. The flowering season extends from spring to fall, with peak bloom times varying by location.
The plant is valued for its vibrant bracts and is used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and as a part of xeriscaping due to its low water requirements. It is adapted to well-drained soils and thrives in full sun, making it suitable for rock gardens and dry slopes. While it is not a heavy feeder, it may benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush is also known for its hemiparasitic nature, often attaching to the roots of other plants to obtain nutrients. This characteristic should be considered when planting, as it may impact companion plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant is valued for its vibrant bracts and is used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and as a part of xeriscaping due to its low water requirements. It is adapted to well-drained soils and thrives in full sun, making it suitable for rock gardens and dry slopes. While it is not a heavy feeder, it may benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush is also known for its hemiparasitic nature, often attaching to the roots of other plants to obtain nutrients. This characteristic should be considered when planting, as it may impact companion plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 0.8-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.8-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red, Yellow, Orange
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Dry, open areas such as meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Castilleja integra, Castilleja elongata, Castilleja gloriosa, Castilleja integra var. gloriosa, Castilleja integra var. intermedia, Castilleja integra var. gracilis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Castilleja integra A.Gray