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hairy Indian paintbrush
Scientific Name: Castilleja tenuis
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Castilleja tenuis: Hairy Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja tenuis, commonly known as hairy Indian paintbrush, is a captivating wildflower native to western North America.
Considerations for Pets
- The stems of Castilleja tenuis are described as hairy.
Considerations for Children
- The stems of Castilleja tenuis are described as hairy.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Castilleja tenuis (A. Heller) T.I. Chuang & Heckard
- Common Names: Hairy Indian Paintbrush, Thin Paintbrush
- Synonyms:
- Orthocarpus hispidus
- Orthocarpus rarior
- Orthocarpus tenuis
- Genus: Castilleja
- Species: tenuis
- Family: Scrophulariaceae (now often placed in Orobanchaceae)
Distribution and Habitat
Castilleja tenuis is native to the Northwestern United States and California. It grows in western North America.
Morphological Characteristics
- Castilleja tenuis develops an erect, unbranched, hairy stem that can reach a certain height.
- The actual flowers are inconspicuous, tubular, and greenish-yellow, nestled in the axils of brightly colored bracts.
- The upper leaves often have three hairy lobes.
Ecological Role
Indian Paintbrush is partially parasitic. Host plants include various native prairie grasses, such as hairy grama and June grass, as well as other wildflowers.
Quirky Facts
- The flowers of Indian paintbrush are edible and were consumed in moderation by various groups.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Castilleja tenuis.
- TERMIUM is the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank.