Castilleja sessiliflora Pursh

Taxonomic Identity and Growth Form

Castilleja sessiliflora Pursh is a perennial herb that grows one or more stems 10 to 40 centimeters (4 to 16 inches) tall from a woody root crown.

Parasitic Trait

It is hemiparasitic, meaning it gets water and nutrients from other plants by tapping into their roots.

Known Host Species

This species has been observed parasitizing eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) and oldfield juniper (Juniperus communis var. depressa).

Reproduction Methods

It can reproduce both sexually, and vegetatively by resprouting from its root crown.

Floral Morphology

Its petals are fused into a curving tube, and its shorter sepals have narrow lobes.

Inflorescence Coloration

The entire inflorescence shows shades of green, yellowish, and pink.

Habitat Range

This plant grows in multiple habitat types, including prairie, shinnery, Texas savanna, and shrubsteppe.

Pollinator

It is pollinated by hawk moths.

Host Dependence

Anecdotal evidence suggests that this species is less dependent on host plants than other members of the Castilleja genus.

Cultivation Observation

Noted wildflower author Claude A. Barr reported that he moved a specimen of this plant into his garden, where it lived for several years and produced one seedling without a visible host.