Status:
valid
Authors:
Torr.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1827
Citation Micro:
Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 2: 230 (1827)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000590387
Common Names
- Western Indian Paintbrush
- Western Castilleja
- Western Prairie-fire
Description
Castilleja occidentalis (also called western Indian paintbrush, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to western North America. It has oval-shaped leaves and small, two-lipped flowers that are usually red, yellow, or orange. It grows in open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Castilleja occidentalis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a cut flower in floral arrangements. It is also used for erosion control and as a food source for wildlife.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Castilleja occidentalis has small, yellow-green flowers that are clustered together. Its seeds are small and black, and its seedlings are small and thin with small, oval leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Castilleja occidentalis is a perennial herbaceous plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a cold frame or outdoors in a prepared seed bed. Division can be done in spring or autumn. The divisions should be planted immediately in their permanent positions.
Where to Find Castilleja occidentalis
Castilleja occidentalis can be found in the western United States, from California to Oregon and east to Idaho and Montana.
Castilleja occidentalis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Castilleja occidentalis?
Castilleja occidentalis
What is the common name of Castilleja occidentalis?
Western Paintbrush
What is the natural habitat of Castilleja occidentalis?
Open meadows, grasslands, and sagebrush scrub
Species in the Castilleja genus
Species in the Orobanchaceae family
Aeginetia indica,
Aeginetia mirabilis,
Aeginetia mpomii,
Aeginetia selebica,
Aeginetia sessilis,
Aeginetia sinensis,
Aeginetia flava,
Aeginetia acaulis,
Agalinis angustifolia,
Agalinis aphylla,
Agalinis aspera,
Agalinis auriculata,
Agalinis bandeirensis,
Agalinis bangii,
Agalinis brachyphylla,
Agalinis calycina,
Agalinis chaparensis,
Agalinis communis,
Agalinis decemloba,
Agalinis densiflora,
Agalinis digitalis,
Agalinis divaricata,
Agalinis edwardsiana,
Agalinis fasciculata,
Agalinis fiebrigii,
Agalinis filicaulis,
Agalinis filifolia,
Agalinis gattingeri,
Agalinis genistifolia,
Agalinis gypsophila,
Agalinis heterophylla,
Agalinis homalantha,
Agalinis humilis,
Agalinis itambensis,
Agalinis kingsii,
Agalinis lanceolata,
Agalinis laxa,
Agalinis linarioides,
Agalinis linifolia,
Agalinis maritima,
Agalinis megalantha,
Agalinis meyeniana,
Agalinis nana,
Agalinis navasotensis,
Agalinis neoscotica,
Agalinis obtusifolia,
Agalinis oligophylla,
Agalinis peduncularis,
Agalinis pennellii,
Agalinis plukenetii,
References
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:801078-1: Govaerts R (ed.). 2023. WCVP: World Checklist of Vascular Plants [Version 11]. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. [WWW document] URL http://sftp.kew.org/pub/data-repositories/WCVP/ [accessed 20 April 2023].