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stiff yellow Indian paintbrush

Scientific Name: Castilleja lutescens

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Stiff Yellow Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja lutescens)

Castilleja lutescens, commonly known as Stiff Yellow Indian Paintbrush, is a captivating plant that adds vibrant color to its native landscapes. Belonging to the genus Castilleja, also known as Indian Paintbrush or prairie-fire, it is one of approximately 200 species within this genus.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that some species of Indian Paintbrush have stiff spreading hairs, but whether this applies to this specific species is not specified.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that some species of Indian Paintbrush have stiff spreading hairs, but whether this applies to this specific species is not specified.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Castilleja lutescens (Greenm.) Rydb.
  • Common Names: Stiff Yellow Indian Paintbrush, Indian Paintbrush, prairie-fire
  • Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family)
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Mentions Castilleja coccinea (form lutescens stiff yellow Indian) and Castilleja mendocinensis.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Primarily found in the Pacific Northwest and Idaho.
  • Observed along the Valley Trail at the Little Spokane River Natural Area.
  • Prefers full sun and can tolerate freezing temperatures, although not intense ones.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a forb/herb, which means it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • Bracts are yellow-tipped, lanceolate, and glandular-puberulent to villous.

Ecological Role

  • The giant red Indian Paintbrush is mentioned as being parasitic on Stiff Sagebrush. However, the specific ecological interactions of Castilleja lutescens are not detailed.

Quirky Facts

  • Hopi women drank a tea of Indian paintbrush to "Dry up the menstrual flow." Although this refers to Indian Paintbrush generally and not specifically Castilleja lutescens, it reveals an intriguing historical use.

Further Information

  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Focused on protecting and preserving North America’s native plants.
  • Garden Guides: Provides plant information, identification, uses, and gardening tips.
  • Discover Life: Offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Castilleja lutescens.