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golden Indian paintbrush

Scientific Name: Castilleja levisecta

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: OR (golden paintbrush), WA (golden paintbrush)

       

Castilleja levisecta: The Golden Paintbrush

Castilleja levisecta, commonly known as golden paintbrush or golden Indian paintbrush, is a rare flowering plant species.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Castilleja levisecta Greenm.
  • Common Names: Golden Paintbrush, Golden Indian Paintbrush
  • Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family); formerly Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
  • Synonym: USDA Symbol: CALE27

Distribution and Habitat

The golden paintbrush historically had a wider range but is now found in a limited part of its former distribution. One source mentions a shoreline property along San Juan Island's west side where it was discovered.

Ecological Role

The golden paintbrush is federally listed as threatened.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Seeds of a similar species, the Ash-gray Indian Paintbrush, spread about 16 feet from the parent plant and remain viable for about two years. Golden Indian paintbrush seeds need specific conditions to germinate.

Quirky Facts

  • June is "Indian Paintbrush Festival" month in Blackfeet Country, featuring various engaging events.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life: Golden Indian Paintbrush
  • COSEWIC assessment and status report on the golden paintbrush Castilleja levisecta
  • Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Castilleja levisecta.