downy painted cup
Castilleja sessiliflora
USDA zones3 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Sizeup to 16 inches tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- White , pink , yellow , green
- Foliage color
- Yellow-green
- Soil types
- Sand
Garden uses
Notes
Downy painted cup (Castilleja sessiliflora) is a perennial for meadow gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and dry, sandy soil. Dense spikes of pale yellow or pinkish flowers sit among green bracts tinged with pink or red. This hairy plant is semiparasitic on other plants, so it is almost impossible to transplant, but you can start it easily from seed.
Pairs well with Prairie junegrass, Hoary vervain, Heath aster, and Lead plant.
Native range
AZ, CO, IA, IL, and 13 more places. See all 17
AZ, CO, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, WI, WY; AB, and SK.