SafePlants

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja)

The genus Castilleja, commonly known as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire, comprises about 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants. These wildflowers are admired for their vibrant bracts, which often steal the show from the actual flowers.

Considerations for Pets

• Leaves can be lobed or entire.
• Descriptions mention the presence of hairs on the leaves.

Considerations for Children

• Leaves can be lobed or entire.
• Descriptions mention the presence of hairs on the leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Castilleja
• Common Names: Indian Paintbrush, Prairie-fire, Painted Cup, Scarlet Painted-Cup
• Family: Orobanchaceae (Broom-rape family), previously in Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family).
• Species Examples:
  • Castilleja indivisa (Entire-leaf Indian Paintbrush, Texas Paintbrush, Scarlet Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja coccinea (Eastern Indian Paintbrush, Scarlet Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja miniata (Scarlet Paintbrush, Common Red Paintbrush, Giant Red Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja integra (Whole Leaf Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja chromosa (Desert Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja angustifolia (Desert Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja sukdorfii (Bog Paintbrush, Suksdorf’s Paintbrush, Suksdorf’s Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja hyperborea (Northern Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja raupii

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Indian paintbrush can be an annual or biennial herb, or a perennial.
• Plants typically grow to a height of 6 to 18 inches.
• The stem can be glabrous to pubescent (hairy).
• Leaves are lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, ranging from 1.2 to 3.2 inches long.
• Leaf margins can be entire (smooth) or lobed (typically 3-7 cleft segments). Basal leaves may be three-lobed or entire.
• The upper leaves often display brilliant colors.
• The plant produces bright colored bracts (modified leaves) that can be red, yellow, orange, purple, or pink. These bracts surround the actual flowers.
• Flowers are often hidden within the axils of the bracts.

Distribution and Habitat

• Indian paintbrush is found on alvars, moist meadows, prairies, and open areas.
• Castilleja indivisa is common in southern regions, particularly Texas.
• They can be found in thick stands, often covering entire fields.

Quirky Facts

• Indian paintbrush has a reputation for being unpredictable.
• The vibrant colors are primarily due to the bracts, not the petals.

Further Resources

• Wikimedia Commons offers media related to Castilleja, including images such as Entire Leaf Indian Paintbrush.jpg.