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northwestern Indian paintbrush

Scientific Name: Castilleja angustifolia var. flavescens

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja)

The genus Castilleja, commonly known as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire, encompasses approximately 200 species of wildflowers.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species can be found in home gardens.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Castilleja
  • Common Names: Indian paintbrush, prairie-fire
  • One example of a species within this genus is: Castilleja angustifolia.
  • Castilleja angustifolia synonyms include Castilleja chromosa.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Indian paintbrush species are found across a wide geographical area.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include:
    • Northwest
    • Pacific Northwest
    • Great Basin National Park, Nevada
    • Northwestern Wyoming
    • Colorado
    • Southeastern Oregon
    • Northwestern Nevada
  • One species is found as far west as the Kola Peninsula in northwestern Russia.
  • Typically grows in mountainous regions and prairie lands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Indian paintbrush can grow to under half a meter in height.
  • The herbage can be bristly and gray-green to purple-red.
  • It grows in clumps of erect stems.
  • The "paintbrushes" are actually leaf-like bracts.

Ecological Role

  • Some Indian Paintbrush species can be parasitic plants.
  • Golden Indian paintbrush (Castillija levisecta), is listed as a threatened species.