SafePlants

Christ's Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja christii)

Castilleja christii, commonly known as Christ's Indian paintbrush, is a rare and striking flowering plant belonging to the broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). Its vibrant yellow flowers make it a beautiful sight on Mount Harrison.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Castilleja christii N.H. Holmgren
• Common Names: Christ's Indian paintbrush, Christ's paintbrush, yellow Indian Paintbrush
• Family: Orobanchaceae (broomrape family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Castilleja christii is endemic to Idaho, USA.
• It is exclusively found on Mount Harrison, at the north end of the Albion Mountains, in Cassia County, Idaho.
• This plant's entire known population exists within approximately 200 acres on Harrison Mountain.

Ecological Role

• Due to its very restricted range, Castilleja christii has been considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act since 1975.
• Threats to the plant's survival have prompted calls for federal protection.

Morphological Characteristics

• Castilleja christii is a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• The "true flowers" of Indian paintbrush plants are inconspicuous.
• It features yellow to yellow-orange flowers.

Quirky Facts

• Christ's Indian Paintbrush was discovered in 1950 and named after John H. Christ.
• Local legend suggests that the colors of Indian Paintbrush flowers are derived from the blood of a murdered Indian woman, and that teardrops turned into crosses.

Further Information

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Plant Materials Center: 2009 Plant Guide for Christ's Indian paintbrush (Castilleja christii).
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Conservation Data Center.