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lesser Indian paintbrush

Scientific Name: Castilleja minor ssp. spiralis

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Castilleja minor: Lesser Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja minor, commonly known as lesser Indian paintbrush, is a vibrant wildflower found in western North America and California. This annual herb adds splashes of red to orange to the landscape.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • While the text does not explicitly mention toxicity, it's important to note that the "flower-like" bracts, which are the colorful parts of the plant, could be tempting to pets and children.
  • The plant belongs to the Broomrape family, and it's always wise to research the family characteristics for potential concerns.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Castilleja minor (A. Gray) A. Gray
  • Common Names: Lesser Indian Paintbrush, Alkali Indian Paintbrush, Smallflower Indian Paintbrush, Small Indian Paintbrush, Small Annual Indian Paintbrush
  • Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family), Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family - a synonym)
  • Genus: Castilleja
  • Species: minor
  • Subspecies:
    • Castilleja minor subsp. minor
    • Castilleja minor subsp. spiralis (Jepson) Chuang & Heckard
  • Synonyms:
    • Castilleja exilis (formerly Castilleja minor var. exilis)
    • Castilleja exilis syn. C. minor ssp. minor

Distribution and Habitat

Castilleja minor is native to western North America and is found growing in northern, southern, and central California. It thrives in wet places and riparian habitats, such as along Mesquite Wash in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Morphological Characteristics

  • An annual herb, growing up to 5 feet tall (though other source states 6"-16")
  • Possesses narrow, unlobed, linear leaves.
  • Features red to orange flower-like bracts.
  • Some subspecies, like Castilleja minor subsp. spiralis, are slender and erect with long reddish or orange-tipped bracts.
  • Blooms from April to August/May-September, depending on the location.

Ecology

This paintbrush species often grows in wetlands, indicating its preference for moist environments.

Quirky Facts

  • The vibrant colors associated with the plant aren't actually flowers; they are modified leaves called bracts that surround the true flowers.

Further Information

For more information, explore resources like Dave's Garden and Garden Guides.