SafePlants

Castilleja lanata: Sierra Woolly Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja lanata, commonly known as Sierra Woolly Indian Paintbrush or Woolly Paintbrush, is a captivating perennial herb native to specific regions of North America.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is noted for having woolly or fuzzy leaves.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is noted for having woolly or fuzzy leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Castilleja lanata A. Gray
• Common Names: Sierra Woolly Indian Paintbrush, Woolly Paintbrush, Sierran woolly Indian paintbrush
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species (and subspecies Castilleja lanata ssp. lanata)
• Family: Orobanchaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae or Figwort family)
• Synonyms: The text does not explicitly list synonyms but mentions alternative common names.

Distribution and Habitat

• Primarily found in California, especially in the Channel Islands region.
• Also found in the deserts of the US-Mexico border, including Arizona and New Mexico.
• Observed in locations like Mt. Lemmon, Santa Catalina Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains, and Sierra Nevada.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Described as a perennial herb and subshrub forb/herb.
• Leaves are linear and unlobed.
• The plant develops in an erect manner.

Ecological Role

• It's a hemiparasitic plant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Fulvia Checkerspot butterfly caterpillar feeds on the leaves of the Sierra Woolly Indian Paintbrush.

Quirky Facts

• In some regions of Mexico, Indian Paintbrush (likely other species of Castilleja) is called "Hierba de Conejo."

Further Information

• USDA is mentioned as a source (Sce: USDA).
• References to "Discover Life's page" and "UA Herbarium, ASU" suggest valuable resources for additional information.
• Shutterstock is mentioned as a source of stock photos.