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Alaska Indian paintbrush
Scientific Name: Castilleja unalaschcensis
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja)
The genus Castilleja, commonly known as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire, comprises annual and perennial herbaceous plants.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that Castilleja angustifolia is a hemiparasitic member of the broomrape family.
- It also states that the flowers of *Castilleja angustifolia* are edible, "though the plants themselves often...". The full statement is cut off in the provided text.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Castilleja
- Common Names: Indian paintbrush, prairie-fire
- Family: Scrophulariaceae (mentioned), Broomrape family (for *Castilleja angustifolia*)
- Group: Dicot
- Examples of Species and Subspecies:
- Castilleja miniata (Giant Red Indian Paintbrush)
- Castilleja unalaschcensis (Alaska Indian Paintbrush, Unalaska Indian-paintbrush)
- Synonyms/Alternative Names:
- Unalaska paintbrush (for Castilleja unalaschcensis)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the west of the Americas, from Alaska south to the Andes.
- Found in grasslands and open forest clearings.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- Alaska
- Kodiak, Alaska
- Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
- Mt. Rainier National Park
- Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
- Fort Abercrombie State Park, Kodiak, Alaska
- Tongass National Forest, Alaska
- Misty Fjords National Monument, Alaska
- Olga Bay, Kodiak, Alaska
- Alaska Basin, Targhee National Forest, Idaho
- Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
- Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
- Unimak Island and the lower Alaska Peninsula
- North Pole, AK
- Southeast Alaska
- Native Distribution: Alaska to Arizona, east to the Rockies.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Duration: Perennial
- Growth Habit: Forb/herb
- Seeds typically germinate in the fall.
- Bright red hues are common when the flowers are at their peak.
Ecological Role
- Most Indian paintbrushes are partial parasites on other plants, establishing root connections.
- Castilleja angustifolia is described as a hemiparasitic member of the broomrape family.
Quirky Facts
- Indian paintbrush was designated the state flower of Wyoming in 1917.
- Yup'ik name for Alaska Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja unalaschcensis): cavigpaguaq
Further Information
- Getty Images (gettyimages.com) and AllPosters.com are mentioned as sources for photos.
- Posterlounge is referenced for posters.
- realtor.com(R) is referenced for real estate information related to "Indian Paint Brush Cir, North Pole, AK".
- Alamy is mentioned as a source for stock photos.