Woolly Paintbrush

castilleja linariifolia

Also known as: ["Woolly Indian Paintbrush","Narrow-leaved Indian Paintbrush"]

Family: Orobanchaceae Genus: Castilleja Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America, known for its distinctive red or orange bracts that resemble a brush dipped in paint.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Orobanchaceae
Genus: Castilleja
Botanical Name: Castilleja linariifolia

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, slopes, or containers with excellent drainage
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with good organic matter and excellent drainage.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; lightly prune throughout the growing season as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; ensure proper ventilation indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid direct indoor light.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water at the base, avoid wetting foliage, and adjust frequency based on weather and soil moisture.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low fertility

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil dries between waterings; amend with grit for drainage; test pH annually.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F); tolerates mild frost but avoids extreme heat.

Monitor nighttime lows; use shade cloth in summer; protect from drafts.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, avoid in dormancy

Fertilize in spring/summer only; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; seeds can be challenging due to dormancy.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Transplant once rooted.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent blooms; trim back leggy stems to a healthy node.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/damaged growth; shape lightly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease apart roots; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and flowering.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to match dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause root damage, and reduces flowering in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold; move indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, growth halts, and flowering diminishes in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid wetting foliage.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse between feedings.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Castilleja linariifolia may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Castilleja linariifolia can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Castilleja linariifolia may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Castilleja linariifolia if the soil is excessively moist, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats that ingest Castilleja linariifolia may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The plant is not highly toxic to cats but can cause mild discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep the plant away from cats. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Castilleja linariifolia by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's compounds are not highly toxic but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets closely if they have access to the plant. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Castilleja linariifolia contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other mild symptoms upon ingestion. The plant's physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots stems leaves
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any parts of the plant. Keep out of reach of children.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Castilleja linariifolia toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.

Q: How should I care for Castilleja linariifolia?

A: It requires well-drained soil, full sun, and moderate watering, avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot.

Q: Does Castilleja linariifolia attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, making it a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.

Quick Reference
Family: Orobanchaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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