Species Narrow Leaved Owl Clover
white-brown flowers with lime sepals, foliage and lime stems

Narrow Leaved Owl Clover

Castilleja attenuata

Also Known As - Attenuate Indian Paintbrush
Narrow Leaved Owl Clover (Castilleja attenuata) is an annual plant native to western North America. It is an evergreen with green-gray stems which can reach heights of up to one foot. The plant has narrow lance shaped foliage with a darker gray underside. The owl clover’s leaves have a slightly waxy texture and clusters of tube like flowers with a rose-purple color. It grows best in well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade and blooms between April to September. The plant’s unique foliage adds texture and interest to gardens and it makes a great addition for rock gardens and as an edging and border plant.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Narrow Leaved Owl Clover (Castilleja attenuata) is a native plant to dry climates like northern California and Nevada. This species of plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. This plant should be watered about once a week during its growing season, from May through September. It can tolerate some drought, so it is important to water only when the soil is dry and during periods of hotter weather than usual. When watering, make sure to wet the soil to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. In the cooler months, it should be watered less frequently, only when it is noticeably dry. If the soil is consistently wet, it can lead to root rot and the death of your plant.

sunlight

Narrow Leaved Owl Clover (Castilleja attenuata) enjoys full sun for the majority of the day, as long as intensity levels are moderate. The plant species should receive several hours of direct sunlight, preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and then filtered or indirect light for the remainder of the day. The total hours of sun exposure should add up to at least 6-8 hours per day for optimal growth and flowering. This species thrives in hot climates but also does well in cooler climates if kept in a sheltered spot.

pruning

Narrow Leaved Owl Clover should be pruned lightly in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be limited to removing damaged or dead stems. It should also be pruned to encourage bushy growth and to prevent the plants from becoming too woody. Generally, each stem should be pruned back by 1-third to 1-half of its length. This will help promote new healthy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Also, at the end of the flowering season, prune away any dead or damaged flowers or leaves to allow new growth to form. This will help to keep the plant tidy and promote an abundant bloom the following season.