SafePlants

Castilleja praeterita

Also known by the common name Salmon Creek Indian paintbrush, Castilleja praeterita is a captivating wildflower native to California's High Sierra Nevada.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is herbaceous, and its habitat can be rocky. These conditions may pose physical hazards, such as tripping or falling while pets explore the terrain in the area.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is herbaceous, and its habitat can be rocky. These conditions may pose physical hazards, such as tripping or falling while children explore the terrain in the area.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Castilleja praeterita Heckard & Bacig.
• Common Name: Salmon Creek Indian paintbrush
• Family: Scrophulariaceae
• Taxonomic Status: Accepted

Distribution and Habitat

• Castilleja praeterita is endemic to (limited to) the High Sierra Nevada of California.
• It can be found along the Salmon Creek Trail in Cambria, California, and in areas overlooking lakes.

Morphological Characteristics

• Castilleja praeterita is a perennial herb and a dicot.

Ecology and Interactions

• The plant is associated with specific locations like Salmon Creek, and its presence is noted alongside other wildflowers such as lupine and tiger lilies.
• Hummingbirds are known to visit Indian paintbrush flowers for nectar.

Related Species

• Other Castilleja species mentioned include:
  • Castilleja annua
  • Castilleja applegatei
  • Castilleja chrysantha
  • Castilleja chrymactis
  • Castilleja porterae
  • Castilleja pruinosa
  • Castilleja affinis
  • Castilleja sulphurea

Further Resources

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Castilleja praeterita.