DOWNY PAINTED CUP
Castilleja sessiliflora
SKU: 605-040
Description
Castilleja sessiliflora is a species of flowering plant in the broomrape family known by the common names downy Indian paintbrush and downy painted cup. It is native to the Great Plains of North America from southern Canada, through the central United States, to northern Mexico. It occurs as far west as the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
This perennial herb produces one or more stems up to 35 centimeters tall from a woody root crown. It is hemiparasitic, obtaining water and nutrients from other plants by tapping their roots. Grasses and sedges makes good host plants. Plants should be planted at the same time, or if the host plant is already established the seeds can be scattered at the base of the plant if the lower part of the plant is slightly bruised (knife works well).
This plant grows in several habitat types, including prairie, shinnery, Texas savanna, and shrubsteppe.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: Up to 39cm, 16"
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Germination: Grasses and sedges makes good host plants. Plants should be planted at the same time, or if the host plant is already established the seeds can be scattered at the base of the plant if the lower part of the plant is slightly bruised (knife works well).
Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. These seeds require a period of cold. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water in. Leave them at room temperature for 2 weeks. They will not grow yet. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 5-6 weeks. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature for them to germinate. If possible, the best location for sowing in March, April and May, is in cold frame or a cold greenhouse where they will receive the cold period and fluctuating temperatures naturally.
Description
Castilleja sessiliflora is a species of flowering plant in the broomrape family known by the common names downy Indian paintbrush and downy painted cup. It is native to the Great Plains of North America from southern Canada, through the central United States, to northern Mexico. It occurs as far west as the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
This perennial herb produces one or more stems up to 35 centimeters tall from a woody root crown. It is hemiparasitic, obtaining water and nutrients from other plants by tapping their roots. Grasses and sedges makes good host plants. Plants should be planted at the same time, or if the host plant is already established the seeds can be scattered at the base of the plant if the lower part of the plant is slightly bruised (knife works well).
This plant grows in several habitat types, including prairie, shinnery, Texas savanna, and shrubsteppe.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: Up to 39cm, 16"
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Germination: Grasses and sedges makes good host plants. Plants should be planted at the same time, or if the host plant is already established the seeds can be scattered at the base of the plant if the lower part of the plant is slightly bruised (knife works well).
Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. These seeds require a period of cold. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water in. Leave them at room temperature for 2 weeks. They will not grow yet. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 5-6 weeks. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature for them to germinate. If possible, the best location for sowing in March, April and May, is in cold frame or a cold greenhouse where they will receive the cold period and fluctuating temperatures naturally.
