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Sierra woolly Indian paintbrush

Scientific Name: Castilleja lanata

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Sierra Woolly Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja lanata)

The Sierra Woolly Indian Paintbrush, scientifically known as Castilleja lanata, is a striking plant native to certain regions of the United States and Mexico. It is also commonly referred to as Woolly Paintbrush or Sierran Woolly Indian Paintbrush.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is known to have woolly or fuzzy leaves, which might be tempting for pets to chew on.
  • As a hemiparasitic plant, it interacts with other plants in the environment. This might lead to exposure to other plants or substances that could be harmful to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The presence of woolly or fuzzy leaves may attract children to touch or play with the plant.
  • As a hemiparasitic plant, it interacts with other plants in the environment. This might lead to exposure to other plants or substances that could be harmful to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Castilleja lanata A. Gray
  • Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family), formerly Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species, Subspecies (Castilleja lanata A. Gray ssp. lanata)
  • Synonyms/Common Names: Woolly Paintbrush, Sierran Woolly Indian Paintbrush

Distribution and Habitat

  • Primarily found in California, especially the Channel Islands region.
  • Also found in Arizona, New Mexico, and areas along the US-Mexico border.
  • Grows in the deserts of the US-Mexico border.
  • Observed in locations such as Montosa Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains, and Mt. Lemmon.
  • Also found in the Sierra Nevada.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial herb or subshrub forb/herb.
  • Linear, unlobed leaves.
  • Known for its "woolly" or fuzzy foliage.
  • White-woolly flower calyx (12-18 mm) and inflorescence bracts (13-20 mm).
  • Erect growth habit.

Ecological Role

  • Hemiparasitic: This means it obtains some or all of its nutrients from other plants.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Acts as a food source for the redheaded Fulvia Checkerspot butterfly caterpillar.

Quirky Facts

  • In some regions of Mexico, Indian Paintbrush (though not necessarily Castilleja lanata specifically) is called Hierba de Conejo, which translates to "Rabbit Herb."

Further Information

  • USDA reference available.
  • Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
  • Stock photos available on Shutterstock.