Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Thursday - October 08, 2009

From: Fort Bragg, CA
Region: California
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Propagation of Castilleja latifolia in Fort Bragg CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

What is the propagation method for Castilleja latifolia ssp. mendocinensis? Do I need to grow Castilleja latifolia ssp. mendocinensis seed with native associate plants in the propagation greenhouse before transplanting both Castilleja and the associated plant out in its plant community? Does the perennial Mendocino Coast Indian Paintbrush need cold stratification? Help!

ANSWER:

This USDA Plant Profile for Castilleja latifolia (Monterey Indian paintbrush) shows it as being endemic to one coastal area in central south California. We have no reference to ssp. mendocinensis in our Native Plant Database, but this ITIS report has a reference to Castilleja latifolia ssp mendocinensis, identifying it as a synonym for Castilleja mendocinensis, which is shown in this Calflora Taxon Report as in the range of Mendocino County. The upshot of all this is that we have no information on the propagation and placement of this plant, but did find a reference saying it was regarded as endangered. About the best we can do for you is give you the Propagation and Growing Conditions for Texas native Castilleja indivisa (entireleaf Indian paintbrush). You will note that in the Growing Conditions, the Castilleja is hemi-parasitic, its roots growing until they touch the roots of other plants to obtain a portion of their nutrients. Transplanting paintbrush may kill it. Since we can give you no definitive information on the specific plant you are dealing with, we would suggest you do some experimentation, using all of your suggested techniques, hopefully determining which would be the most beneficial to the plant.

Propagation Material: Seeds
Description: Seed in open, sunny sites for best results. Indian paintbrush seed may require a cold wet period in the winter to germinate. Plant the seed in the fall and rake it into loose topsoil to ensure good seed/soil contact. Seeds are exceptionally small (4 million seeds per pound), commercially available, depending on the previous year’s seed crop and can be expensive. The recommended seeding rate in 1/4 pound per acre.
Seed Collection: Seeds are formed in capsules at the base of each flower. Seed capsules may be carefully collected by hand April – May when the capsules are dry and brown.

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Sandy soils. Sandy Loam, Sandy, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay
Conditions Comments: The roots of this plant will grow until they touch the roots of other plants, frequently grasses, penetrating these host roots to obtain a portion of their nutrients. Transplanting paintbrush may kill it.

 

More Wildflowers Questions

Bluebonnets and paintbrush for Fredericksburg VA
April 10, 2011 - Can I broadcast Texas bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush seeds, in Virginia, during early Spring and get germination; or, do I need to winterize and plant next spring.
view the full question and answer

Native Plants for Galveston
February 12, 2012 - I'm looking for low maintenance, drought tolerant plants for Galveston, on the bay side, in a well drained area with morning sun. I was thinking of Phlox, Muhly grass, Lantana.....and I am looking f...
view the full question and answer

Sowing an old highway right of way with native wildflowers
February 12, 2007 - We have an old highway right-of-way which we would like to seed with wildflowers. Can you help us?
view the full question and answer

Schedule for planting perennial wildflowers from Asheville NC
March 22, 2013 - When is the best time to plant perennial wildflowers?
view the full question and answer

Stabilizing a steep slope in KY
March 31, 2011 - We are building a new home and have a very steep hill behind the home. Our highlift operator just cleared it off - I would say about 15 to 20 feet in height and at least 150 feet in length. What wou...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.