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lesser Indian paintbrush
Scientific Name: Castilleja minor
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual, Perennial
Other Names:
Castilleja minor: Lesser Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja minor, commonly known as Lesser Indian Paintbrush, is a vibrant wildflower found in western North America. Other common names include Smallflower Indian Paintbrush, Alkali Indian Paintbrush, and Smallflower Paintbrush.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant may be found in home gardens.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Castilleja minor (A. Gray) A. Gray
- Synonyms: Castilleja exilis, Castilleja minor ssp. minor
- Subspecies: Several subspecies are mentioned, including Castilleja minor ssp. spiralis (Jepson) Chuang & Heckard.
- Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family), formerly Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
- Genus: Castilleja
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America, including California, Arizona, and other areas of the west and southwest USA.
- Often found in wet places and riparian habitats.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- An annual herb, sometimes described as slender and erect.
- Height ranges from 6 to 16 inches. It can grow up to 5 feet.
- Features narrow, unlobed, linear leaves.
- The scarlet red "flowers" are actually bracts, and they bloom from April to August or May to September.
Quirky Facts
- The color in Indian Paintbrush plants, including Castilleja minor, comes from the bracts, not the petals, making them visually striking wildflowers.