SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 8472.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "8472" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

prairie Indian paintbrush

Scientific Name: Castilleja purpurea var. citrina

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja spp.)

The Indian Paintbrush, a vibrant wildflower often called Prairie-fire, is a captivating addition to prairies and open areas. Its showy bracts and fascinating life cycle make it a subject of great interest for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that some Native American tribes used Indian Paintbrush as a hair wash, indicating the presence of substances that interact with hair.

Considerations for Children

  • The flowers of Indian Paintbrush are described as edible and were consumed in moderation by various Native American groups.

Common Names

  • Indian Paintbrush
  • Prairie-fire
  • Grandmothers Hair
  • Painted Cup
  • Common Red Paintbrush
  • Painted Lady
  • Butterfly Weed
  • Scarlet Paintbrush

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Castilleja (genus)
  • Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family)
  • Castilleja coccinea (Indian Paint Brush or Prairie Fire)
  • Castilleja purpurea (Purple Paintbrush, Prairie Indian Paintbrush)
  • Synonyms: Castilleja purpurea var. citrina

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the west of the Americas, from Alaska south to the Andes.
  • Found in the eastern US, particularly Castilleja coccinea.
  • Prefers bright sites with medium-dry to medium-wet soils.
  • Grows on alvars, moist meadows, prairies, and open woods.
  • Found in moist areas, dry areas, and sandy prairies, with zones ranging from 3 to 9.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Crex Meadows and Baker Prairie (near Mystic Caverns).

Ecological Role

  • Partially parasitic, hosting on various native prairie grasses such as hairy grama and June grass, as well as other wildflowers.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Annual or biennial herbaceous plant.
  • Blooms from May to June, with flower colors varying between reddish-orange.
  • Castilleja coccinea has a stem that is perennial, 1 to 2 feet tall, unbranched with stiff spreading hairs.
  • Leaves are alternate linear, 2 inches by 1 inch.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Quirky Facts

  • Indian Paintbrush was designated the state flower of Wyoming in 1917.