SafePlants

Harsh Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja hispida)

The Castilleja hispida, commonly known as Harsh Indian Paintbrush, is a captivating wildflower found in several regions of North America.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• 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 (synonym of Orthocarpus attenuatus)

Distribution and Habitat

• The Harsh Indian Paintbrush is native to North America.
• It is found in the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, Washington, Montana, and California.
• Specifically mentioned locations include the Columbia River Gorge, Dog Mountain, Stevens Pass, Ingalls Peak, Wenatchee National Forest, Glacier National Park, and eastern Washington forests.
• It grows on open slopes or borders of chaparral.
• In California, it is primarily found in the Klamath Mountain Range region.

Morphological Characteristics

• Grows in a cluster from a woody perennial base.
• Distinguished by bright red, orange, or sometimes yellow "flowers" (actually colorful bracts).
• It has fine hairs.

Quirky Facts

• The 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 be found growing alongside Menzies Larkspur (Delphinium menziesii).
• May have an overlapping range with golden paintbrush, which is distinguished by brighter yellow floral parts.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden: A community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
• Discover Life: Page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Castilleja hispida.