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exserted Indian paintbrush

Scientific Name: Castilleja exserta ssp. venusta

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Castilleja exserta: Exserted Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja exserta, belonging to the genus Castilleja, is widely recognized by several common names including Exserted Indian Paintbrush and Purple Owl's Clover. Other common names include Owl's Clover, Pale Purple Owl's Clover, Escobita, and Little Broom.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Castilleja exserta (A. Heller) T.I. Chuang & Heckard
  • Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
  • Synonym: Orthocarpus purpurascens
  • Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies - Castilleja exserta (A. Heller) T.I. Chuang & Heckard subsp. exserta

Distribution and Habitat

This species is native to the Southwestern United States. It is found in various rocky areas of Arizona and New Mexico, as well as Sunol, California, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and Sheldon National area.

Morphology and Growth

  • Castilleja exserta is an annual herb that grows to about 1 foot (0.30 m) tall.
  • It has a hairy stem covered in thready leaves.
  • The plant develops a bare stem with a thick crown as it matures and it is not an evergreen.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Castilleja exserta attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
  • Larvae of certain butterfly species may use it as a host plant.

Fun Fact: The floral bracts of the Exserted Indian Paintbrush resemble paintbrushes.