No images found for this plant ID: 7680.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "7680" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
northern Indian paintbrush
Scientific Name: Castilleja hyperborea
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja)
The genus Castilleja, commonly known as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire, comprises around 200 species. These wildflowers are celebrated for their vibrant, paintbrush-like blooms.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species of Indian Paintbrush have been used for food in the past.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Castilleja
- Common Names: Indian paintbrush, prairie-fire
- Family: Scrophulariaceae (snapdragon family)
- Synonyms: Castilleja pallida (L.) Spreng. (for some species)
- Species Examples:
- Castilleja affinis ssp. affinis (Coast Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja caudata (Pale Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja coccinea
- Castilleja gracillima (Slender Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja hyperborea (Northern Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja miniata
- Castilleja rhexifolia (Split-leaf Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja raupii (Raup’s Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja yukonis (Yukon Indian Paintbrush)
- Subspecies Examples:
- Castilleja miniata (a rare subspecies limited to the Klamath Mountains)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Americas, ranging from Alaska south to the Andes, and also found in northern Asia.
- Specifically found in the western United States, northern Mexico, and various regions of Canada.
- Prefers sunny areas such as mountain meadows, stream banks, and open woods.
- Found in diverse habitats, including high alpine areas (e.g., Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah).
- Observed on sunny hills in Colorado.
- Occurs in the Kootenai River Valley (contiguous with northern Idaho and northwestern Montana).
- Can be found in the Roman Nose High Country of Northern Idaho.
- The Coast Indian Paintbrush grows in northern, southern, and central California.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial herbs.
- Flowers are characterized by clusters of spiky blooms that resemble paintbrushes dipped in bright red or orange-yellow paint.
- Features dense spikes of hooded flowers with brightly colored bracts.
Traditional Uses
- The Miwok stored dried seeds for winter use.
- The Maidu used Indian Paintbrush for food, as a diuretic, and for curing ailments.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Indian paintbrush is mentioned alongside other flowers like Arnica cordifolia and Mertensia oblongifolia in subalpine open forests.
- It is sometimes found flowering at approximately the same time as bluebonnets.