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pale Indian paintbrush

Scientific Name: Castilleja pallescens var. inverta

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Pale Indian Paintbrush

The Pale Indian Paintbrush, a captivating wildflower, belongs to the genus Castilleja. This page provides information gathered from various sources to offer a comprehensive overview of this fascinating plant.

Common Names

  • Pale Indian Paintbrush
  • Pallid Indian Paintbrush
  • Pale Painted Cup

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Castilleja pallescens (A. Gray) Greenm.
  • Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
  • Genus: Castilleja
  • Species: pallescens
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species, Subspecies (mentions of varieties also found in the text)
  • Synonyms: Mentions of other Castilleja species with similar common names, such as Castilleja septentrionalis and Castilleja coccinea.
  • Related Taxa: Castilleja annua, Castilleja linariaefolia, Castilleja angustifolia, Castilleja oresbia, Castilleja exserta, Castilleja affinis, Castilleja pilosa, Castilleja caudata, Castilleja foliolosa.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dwarf pale Indian paintbrush is found on plains and lower mountains from central Idaho to southeast Oregon and northeast Nevada.
  • Information derived from collection sites and habitat preferences in immediately adjacent states (particularly Indiana and Illinois) may also be relevant.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The "flower" of the Indian Paintbrush is actually tiny, creamy white to pale yellow, encircled by colorful leaf-like bracts.
  • Bract colors can vary, including pale yellow to deep purple.
  • Leaves are described as long and narrow.
  • Castilleja exserta is described as having pale green, hairy leaves, up to 2 inches long, pointing upwards, and divided into 5 to 9 narrow lobes.
  • Inflorescence can range from 3-20 cm long.

Quirky Facts

  • The Indian Paintbrush is known to "steal other flowers' lunches," indicating a parasitic or semi-parasitic relationship with other plants.
  • There's an India Pale Ale (IPA) beer named "Black Tooth Indian Paintbrush Ale" brewed by Black Tooth Brewing Company in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The Indian Paintbrush has a notable interaction with other plants, described as "stealing other flowers' lunches."

Additional Resources

  • USDA PLANTS database
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden
  • bugwood.org