SafePlants

Castilleja rigida - Rigid Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja rigida, commonly known as Rigid Indian Paintbrush, is a vibrant wildflower native to the western and southwestern United States.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Castilleja rigida Eastw.
• Common Name: Rigid Indian Paintbrush
• Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family) or Scrophulariaceae (Figwort/Snapdragon Family - Note that taxonomic placement may vary.)
• Rank: Species
• Synonym: Castilleja latebracteata Pennell

Distribution and Habitat

• Primarily found in the western and southwestern USA, including Texas and specifically within the Chihuahuan Desert.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a perennial forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that lives for more than two years.
• The plant has red bloom color.

Ecological Role

• Belongs to the genus *Castilleja* (Indian Paintbrush), containing approximately 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants.

Other Indian Paintbrush Varieties Mentioned

• Santa Catalina Indian Paintbrush
• Catalina Indian Paintbrush
• Trans-Pecos Indian Paintbrush (C. nervata)
• Green Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja chrymactis Pennell)
• Variable Paint Brush (Castilleja purpurea)
• Wallowa Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja)
• Entireleaf Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa Engelm.)
• Cream sacs (Castilleja rubicundula)
• Little reddish Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja rubida)
• Pale Indian Paintbrush (Pallescens)
• Coast Indian Paintbrush (Affinis)
• Marshmeadow Indian Paintbrush (Lineata)
• Organ Mountain Indian Paintbrush (Organorum)
• Smallflower Indian Paintbrush
• Olympic Indian Paintbrush
• Henry Indian Paintbrush

Further Resources

• USDA Plants Database: plants.usda.gov/java/profile
• Dave's Garden: A community sharing gardening tips and ideas.