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downy Indian paintbrush
Scientific Name: Castilleja purpurea var. purpurea
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja)
Indian paintbrush, also known as prairie-fire, refers to plants in the genus Castilleja. There are about 200 species within this genus. Some common names for specific species include Downy Indian Paintbrush, Prairie Paintbrush, Purple Paintbrush, Lemon Paintbrush, Indian Scarlet Paintbrush, and Yellow Paintbrush.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species in the Asclepias genus (not Castilleja, but the text mentions it in relation to "Indian Paintbrush" in general) have milky juice and pods that split open releasing seeds with downy tufts.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Castilleja
- Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
- Species Examples:
- Castilleja sessiliflora (Downy Indian Paintbrush, Downy Paintedcup)
- Castilleja purpurea
- Castilleja purpurea var. citrina (Lemon Paintbrush, Prairie Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja puberula
- Castilleja affinis (Coast Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja ambigua (Johnny-nip)
- Castilleja integra (Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja austromontana (Rincon Mountain Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja coccinea (Indian Scarlet Paintbrush)
Distribution and Habitat
- Indian Paintbrush is described as a sought-after prairie beauty.
- Prefers bright sites with medium-dry to medium-wet soils.
- Some species, like Castilleja sessiliflora, are native to the Great Plains of North America.
- Found in various locations, including Kippan's Mill Trail, Riding Mountain NP, MB, Canada.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Blooms from May to June.
- Flower color can vary between reddish-orange. Some species have pale to vivid yellow flowers.
- Castilleja purpurea is described as a subshrub forb/herb with a perennial duration.
- Castilleja integra produces narrow, downy, whitish leaves.
- Downy painted cup (C. sessiliflora) sometimes lacks the “paint” (bright colored bracts), having only green bracts.
Quirky Facts
- Castilleja coccinea or Indian Scarlet Paintbrush is a showstopper that hummingbirds love.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Hummingbirds are attracted to Castilleja coccinea (Indian Scarlet Paintbrush).
Further Information
- Dave's Garden is mentioned as a community where gardeners share tips and ideas.
- TERMIUM is the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank.