SafePlants

Coast Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja affinis)

The Castilleja affinis, commonly known as Coast Indian Paintbrush, is a vibrant wildflower native to western North America.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Indian Paintbrush was historically used as a diuretic. While not directly indicating toxicity, it suggests the plant contains compounds with potential physiological effects.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Castilleja affinis
• Common Names: Coast Indian Paintbrush, Indian Paintbrush, Prairie-fire, Martin's Paintbrush, Wavyleaf Indian Paintbrush
• Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family) - Previously included in Scrophulariaceae.
• Subspecies: Castilleja affinis subsp. affinis, Castilleja affinis subsp. litoralis

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America, ranging from Washington to Baja California.
• Specifically found along the coast, including the Mendocino Coast, Central Coast and in areas like Pescadero Marsh, California.
• Grows in various habitats, including coastal dunes, meadows, and the lower slopes of bluffs.
• Also reported in Southeast Alaska, specifically the Cleveland Peninsula region.

Morphological Characteristics

• A perennial herb.
• Grows a stem up to a certain height (height not specified in provided texts).
• Features tubular yellow-green flowers.
• Leaves are described as long and narrow, pointed. Some varieties have leaves that are non-notched and have very little hair.

Ecological Role

• Identified as a photosynthetic root parasite (hemiparasite).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions that Coast Indian Paintbrush was previously included in the Scrophulariaceae along with Owl’s Clover.

Historical and Traditional Uses

• The Maidu people used Indian Paintbrush for food and as a diuretic.

Related Species

• Other Castilleja species mentioned include:
  • Castilleja miniata var. Dixon's Paintbrush
  • Castilleja wightii (Wight's Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja unalaschcensis (Unalaska Paintbrush, Alaska Indian Paintbrush, Unalaska Indian-paintbrush)
  • Castilleja parviflora (Small-flowered Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja grisea (San Clemente Island Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja mendocinensis (Mendocino Coast Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja coccinea (Indian Scarlet Paintbrush)

Further Resources

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Castilleja affinis.
• California Academy of Sciences: Holds records and details about Castilleja affinis.
• Dave's Garden: An online community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.