Status:
valid
Authors:
Benth.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1846
Citation Micro:
Prodr. 10: 528 (1846)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000590227
Common Names
- Graceful Paintbrush
- Graceful Indian Paintbrush
- Graceful Owl-Clover
Description
Castilleja gracilis (also called Slender Indian Paintbrush, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to western North America, where it is found in the United States and Canada. It grows in many types of habitat, including grasslands, woodlands, and deserts.
Uses & Benefits
Castilleja gracilis is used as an ornamental plant, for ground cover, and as a houseplant. It is known for its ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, as well as its air-purifying properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Castilleja gracilis is yellow and tubular with a hairy calyx. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Castilleja gracilis is a perennial herb that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and rooted in a moist soil mix. The plants prefer full sun and should be spaced 18-24 inches apart.
Where to Find Castilleja gracilis
Castilleja gracilis is native to the western United States, including California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.
Castilleja gracilis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Castilleja gracilis?
Castilleja gracilis
What is the common name of Castilleja gracilis?
Slender Indian Paintbrush
What is the natural habitat of Castilleja gracilis?
It is native to western North America, where it grows in dry, open habitats such as 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:800975-1: 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].