SafePlants

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja spp.)

Indian Paintbrush is a common name for plants in the genus Castilleja, also known as Painted Cup or Prairie Fire. These plants are recognized for their dense spikes of brightly colored bracts.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The text mentions that various Native American tribes consumed the flowers of Indian Paintbrush in moderation as a condiment.
• Indian Paintbrush are perennial, biennial or annual herbs that are 15 – 60 cm high.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Castilleja
• Family: Orobanchaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
• Species examples:
  • Castilleja ambigua ssp. humboldtensis
  • Castilleja coccinea (Scarlet Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja densiflora (Dense-flowered Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja densiflora ssp. gracilis (Dense Flower Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja gracillima (Slender Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja indivisa
  • Castilleja lanata (Sierra Woolly Indian Paintbrush or Woolly Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja arvensis (Field Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja affinis (Coast Indian Paintbrush)
• Common Names:
  • Indian Paintbrush
  • Prairie Fire
  • Red Indian Paintbrush
  • Harsh Paintbrush
  • Cliff Paintbrush
  • Painted Cup
  • Scarlet Painted-Cup
  • Texas Indian Paintbrush
  • Entireleaf Indian Paintbrush
  • Texas Paintbrush
  • Sierra Woolly Indian Paintbrush
  • Woolly Paintbrush
  • Field Indian Paintbrush
  • Coast Indian Paintbrush

Distribution and Habitat

• Indian Paintbrush is native to North America.
• They are found in various habitats, including alvars, moist meadows, areas near the ocean, and areas with strong sun and salt spray.
• Specific mentions include California, Minnesota, New England, Montana and Texas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Indian Paintbrush can be perennial, biennial, or annual herbs.
• They typically grow to be 15-60 cm high.
• The leaves are usually alternate.
• The "flowers" are actually densely packed spikes of brightly colored bracts (modified leaves). The true flowers are often inconspicuous, whitish green or yellow.
• The flowers are borne in dense bracted spikes that elongate as the plant matures.
• Some species, like Castilleja arvensis, have stems that are erect, densely hairy, and usually unbranched.

Ecological Role

• Some species of Indian Paintbrush are hemiparasitic, meaning they can attach to the roots of other plants. For example, Castilleja arvensis is a partial root parasite.
• Elk are noted to relish the flowers and seedpods of Indian Paintbrush.