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coast Indian paintbrush
Scientific Name: Castilleja affinis ssp. litoralis
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Coast Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja affinis)
Common Names
- Coast Indian Paintbrush
- Indian Paintbrush
- Prairie-fire
- Wight's Indian Paint Brush
- Martin's Paintbrush
- Wavyleaf Indian Paintbrush
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Castilleja affinis
- Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family, formerly Scrophulariaceae)
- Taxonomic Rank: Species, Subspecies (e.g., Castilleja affinis ssp. affinis, Castilleja affinis subsp. litoralis)
- Synonyms/Alternative Names: Mentions of "Coast Indian Paintbrush" may refer to several varieties within the species complex.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America, ranging from Washington to Baja California.
- Common along the coast, especially in California.
- Specific locations mentioned include: Pescadero Marsh, Garland Ranch Palo Corona, Mendocino Coast, Point Lobos State Reserve, Grand Teton National Park, and the Cleveland Peninsula region of Southeast Alaska.
- Found in various habitats including coastal areas and open, moist woodlands (in the case of Castilleja coccinea, or Indian Scarlet Paintbrush on the east coast).
Ecological Role
- Photosynthetic root parasite (hemiparasite). This means it obtains some of its nutrients by attaching to the roots of other plants.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Perennial herb.
- Grows a stem.
- Tubular yellow-green flowers.
- Leaves are long and narrow, pointed.
- Some varieties have very little hair and non-notched leaves.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Serves as a host plant for other organisms.
Quirky Facts
- The common name "Indian Paintbrush" is applied to several species within the *Castilleja* genus.
- The Maidu people have historically used Indian Paintbrush for food and as a diuretic.
Resources and Further Information
- Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Castilleja affinis.
- Dave's Garden: A community website for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
- California Academy of Sciences: Houses specimens and data related to Castilleja affinis.