About Castilleja pallida (L.) Kunth
Nomenclature and Distribution
Castilleja pallida (L.) Kunth, commonly known as pale Indian paintbrush, is a plant species native to Alaska, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the region extending across Russia to the Ural Mountains and Kazakhstan.
Growth Form and Root Structure
It is an herbaceous plant that grows a short taproot.
Nutrient Acquisition Strategy
This species is classified as a facultative parasite: it can survive without extracting nutrients from other plants, but grows healthier when it is able to draw sustenance from other plants.
Stem Height
Its stems can grow up to 40 cm (16 inches) tall.
Hair Distribution
The lower sections of its leaves and stems are generally hairless, while the upper portions are finely hairy, and the inflorescence is bristly.
Leaf Shape
Its leaves are narrowly lanceolate, tapering gradually toward the tip.
Inflorescence and Flower Characteristics
Its inflorescence holds 5 to 12 flowers; each flower is greenish-yellow, with a greenish-yellow to cream-colored bract located below the flower.
