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Thompson's Indian paintbrush
Scientific Name: Castilleja thompsonii
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Castilleja thompsonii - Thompson's Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja thompsonii, commonly known as Thompson's Indian Paintbrush, is one of approximately 200 species within the Castilleja genus, also known generally as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that Castilleja thompsonii contains yellow to green "flowers," which are actually modified leaves. This may be a consideration as pets sometimes ingest plant material.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Castilleja
- Species: thompsonii
- Family: Orobanchaceae (Broom-rape family). Previously classified in Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family).
- Synonyms: Thompson's Indian paintbrush, Thompson's paintbrush, Thompsons Indian paintbrush.
Distribution and Habitat
- Castilleja thompsonii can be found in:
- The Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington.
- Eastern Washington.
- Mount Rainier National Park, WA, US.
- Nearctic Ecozone.
- Cascade Range.
- British Columbia, CA
- It has been observed at elevations of approximately 7600' in the Devils Garden on the northeastern side of Mt. Adams.
- Thompson's paintbrush is common at low to mid elevations in central areas.
Morphological Characteristics
- Unlike some other paintbrushes, Thompson's Indian paintbrush is described as not being a colorful plant.
- The "flowers" are described as yellow to green, but are actually modified leaves that hide the true flowers.
- The leaves of the Indian Paintbrush are described as long and narrow with pointed tips.
Ecological Interactions
- In eastern Washington, it has been noted to grow parasitically on Stiff Sagebrush.