SafePlants

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja)

The genus Castilleja, commonly known as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire, encompasses approximately 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants. The name "Indian Paintbrush" often refers specifically to the genus Castilleja.

These wildflowers are celebrated for their vibrant clusters of spiky blooms, resembling paintbrushes dipped in bright red or orange-yellow paint.

Considerations for Pets

• As members of the Scrophulariaceae family, the plants in the Castilleja genus are semi-parasitic. Although they can produce their own food, they still require a host plant, potentially affecting other nearby plants.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Castilleja
• Common Names: Indian paintbrush, prairie-fire, painted cup
• Family: Orobanchaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae, Figwort Family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the west of the Americas, from Alaska south to the Andes.
• Also found in northern Asia.
• One species extends as far west as the Kola Peninsula in northwestern Russia.
• Frequently found in Texas, Wyoming, Utah, and the Northwest region of North America.
• Grows in a variety of environments, including deserts, sage landscapes, and pinyon/juniper woodlands.
• Thrives in bright locations with medium-dry to medium-wet soils.

Morphological Characteristics

• Herbaceous annual or perennial plants.
• Flowers are characterized by clusters of green to yellow tubular structures with showy red to orange bracts.
• Bracts exhibit a range of colors, including orange, scarlet, cream, and yellow.

Ecological Role

• Some Castilleja species are semi-parasitic, obtaining some nutrients from host plants.

Quirky Facts

• Indian Paintbrush has a reputation for being unpredictable and difficult to transplant.
• One legend attributes the flower's creation to a Native American child using a magic brush to capture the colors of the sunset.