SafePlants

Harsh Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja hispida)

Castilleja hispida, commonly known as Harsh Indian Paintbrush, is a captivating wildflower found in various regions of North America. This plant belongs to a genus of about 200 species known as Indian Paintbrushes or Prairie-fire.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions fine hairs on the plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Castilleja hispida Benth.
• Common Names: Harsh Indian Paintbrush, Indian Paintbrush, Red Indian Paintbrush, Harsh Paintbrush, Cliff Paintbrush, Yellow Harsh Paintbrush
• Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family), formerly Scrophulariaceae
• Order: Lamiales
• Subspecies: Castilleja hispida ssp. hispida, Castilleja hispida ssp. acuta
• Synonyms: Castilleja attenuata (syn. of Orthocarpus attenuatus)

Distribution and Habitat

• Castilleja hispida is native to North America.
• It can be found in the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Wyoming.
• Specifically mentioned locations include the Columbia River Gorge, Dog Mountain, Stevens Pass, Ingalls Peak, Cone Peak, and Glacier National Park.
• It grows in various habitats, including shady forested areas, open slopes, and the borders of chaparral.
• It is also found in California, particularly in the Klamath Mountain Range region.

Morphological Characteristics

• Grows in a cluster from a woody perennial base.
• The plant has many fine hairs.
• Paintbrushes look like bright red or orange flowers, however, the colorful parts are bracts.
• Color variations include red, orange, yellow, and salmon.

Quirky Facts

• Chippewa Native Americans used Castilleja hispida as a bath rinse to make their hair glossy.
• Indian Paintbrush was designated the state flower of Wyoming in 1917.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Can grow alongside *Menzies Larkspur Delphinium menziesii*.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Castilleja hispida.
• Dave's Garden: A community sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
• Garden Guides: Plant information, identification information on uses, and more.