SafePlants

Castilleja minor: Lesser Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja minor, commonly known as Lesser Indian Paintbrush, Smallflower Indian Paintbrush, or Alkali Indian Paintbrush, is a captivating wildflower native to western North America.

Considerations for Pets

• Some sources refer to this plant as an herb, which could attract the attention of grazing pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant may be found in gardens and natural settings, where children may encounter it.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Castilleja minor (A. Gray) A. Gray
• Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family) or Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family) - some sources may list it under either family.
• Genus: Castilleja
• Species: minor
• Subspecies: Examples include Castilleja minor ssp. minor and Castilleja minor ssp. spiralis (Jepson) Chuang & Heckard.
• Synonyms: Castilleja exilis (Marsh Indian Paintbrush) is listed as a synonym for Castilleja minor ssp. minor.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America.
• Specifically found in northern, southern, and central California.
• Observed in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, particularly along Mesquite Wash.
• Prefers wet places, including riparian habitats.

Morphological Characteristics

• Annual herb.
• Height ranges from 6 to 16 inches. Some sources indicate it can grow up to 5 feet.
• Characterized by red flower-like bracts.
• Narrow, unlobed, linear leaves.
• Subspecies spiralis is described as slender and erect with long reddish or orange-tipped bracts.

Flowering Period

• Blooms from April to August, or May to September depending on the source.

Quirky Facts

• The vibrant colors often associated with the "flowers" of Indian Paintbrush are actually modified leaves called bracts, which surround the less conspicuous true flowers.

Resources

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for garden tips and ideas.
• Garden Guides offers information on plants commonly known as Indian Paintbrush.