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splitleaf Indian paintbrush
Scientific Name: Castilleja rhexiifolia
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Castilleja: Indian Paintbrush and Prairie-Fire
Castilleja, commonly known as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire, is a genus of plants known for its vibrant bracts that resemble paintbrushes dipped in paint.
Considerations for Pets
- All parts of Castilleja, especially the green parts and roots, are mentioned as potentially concerning.
Considerations for Children
- All parts of Castilleja, especially the green parts and roots, are mentioned as potentially concerning.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Castilleja
- Common Names: Indian paintbrush, prairie-fire
- Family: Orobanchaceae (based on mention of Castilleja schizotricha in Orobanchaceae)
Distribution and Habitat
- Frequently found in the San Juan National Forest, Colorado, United States of America.
- Observed in Alta, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake County, Utah.
- Grows near Monarch Pass, Colorado.
Morphological Characteristics
- Typically grows to be about 1-2 ft tall.
- Indian paintbrush flowers are named for clusters of spiky blooms.
- The plant gets its color from bracts that grow below the actual flowers.
- Stems are often modified leaves (bracts) which are sometimes split.
- Leaves can be long and narrow, pointed.
- Some species, like Castilleja hispida var. hispida, have leaves mostly split at the tips into 3 thin sections.
- Fruit is a capsule (dry, multi-chambered fruit splitting at maturity).
Seeds
- Seed capsules split open lengthwise between cavity partitions.
- Pods will split and release seeds when dry.
Related Species
- Castilleja applegatei (Applegate's Indian paintbrush, wavyleaf Indian paintbrush)
- Castilleja rhexifolia (Rosy Paintbrush, Split-leaf Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja sulphurea (Sulphur Paintbrush)
- Castilleja chromosa (Colorful Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja schizotricha (Split-hair Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja miniata (Giant Red Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja hispida var. hispida (Harsh Paintbrush, Harsh Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja hyperborea (Northern Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja linariaefolia (Indian Paintbrush or Painted Cup)