SafePlants

Indian Paintbrush: A Vibrant Wildflower

The Indian Paintbrush, a name encompassing several species within the Castilleja genus, is renowned for its vibrant colors and presence in native prairielands and meadows, particularly in Western North America and the southwestern USA.

Considerations for Pets

• Some varieties, such as Gaillardia pulchella, are short-lived, dying after setting seed, which may be relevant if pets ingest them.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Various species within the Castilleja genus
• Common Names: Indian Paintbrush, Painted Cup, Firewheel, Indian Blanket, Indian Blanketflower, Scarlet Painted-Cup, Woolly Paintbrush, Sierra Woolly Indian Paintbrush, Hierba de Conejo, Prairie-fire.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Sunflower family (Asteraceae, also referred to as Compositae).
• Synonyms/Related Species:
  • Castilleja linariaefolia
  • Castilleja miniata
  • Gaillardia pulchella
  • Castilleja indivisa
  • Castilleja coccinea
  • Castilleja foliolosa
  • Castilleja ambigua ssp. humboldtiensis
  • Castilleja christii
  • Castilleja pilosa var. longispica
  • Castilleja hyperborea

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in Western North America, the Southwestern USA, and other regions of the United States.
• Common in prairielands, meadows, and areas with poor soil conditions.
• Some species are associated with sagebrush habitats in drier areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Annual, biennial, or perennial herbs, typically 15-60 cm high.
• Many varieties are short-lived, some dying after setting seed.
• Characterized by colorful bracts (modified leaves) that surround inconspicuous, tubular flowers.
• Flowers are typically tubular-shaped, greenish-yellow.
• Leaves can be alternate, and basal leaves formed during the first year may be short and oblong with rounded ends.
• Inflorescence is a short or elongate terminal spike bearing tubular-shaped flowers.
• May have short hairs covering the stems and leaves.

Ecological Role

• Some species are partially parasitic, such as on sagebrush.

Quirky Facts

• The true flowers of the Indian Paintbrush are often inconspicuous, with the vibrant colors coming from the bracts.
• The flowers of some species were consumed in moderation by various Native American tribes as a condiment with other fresh greens.