SafePlants

Wallowa Indian Paintbrush

This page provides information about the Wallowa Indian Paintbrush and related species. Please note that while the information presented here is intended to be informative, it is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified expert for specific concerns or questions.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that this plant is a forb/herb, which means it's a non-woody plant. The texture of these plants may be interesting to some animals.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Castilleja wallowensis
• Common Names: Wallowa Indian Paintbrush

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Plant Family: Scrophulariaceae (now often included in Orobanchaceae)
• Other Species:
  • Castilleja chrysantha Greenm. (Yellow Wallowa Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja oresbia Greenm. (Pale Wallowa Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja annua Pennell (Fairbanks Annual Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja applegatei (referred to in connection to Yellow Wallowa Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja ambigua Hook. & Arn.
    • Castilleja ambigua Hook. & Arn. ssp. humboldtiiensis (D.D. Keck) T.I. Chuang & Heckard
    • Castilleja ambigua Hook. & Arn. ssp. insalutata (Jeps.) T.I. Chuang & Heckard
  • Castilleja chrymactis Pennell (Green Indian Paintbrush)
  • Castilleja hispida (Short-lobed Indian Paintbrush)
• Synonyms: Castilleja chrysantha is noted as a synonym for Yellow Wallowa Indian Paintbrush.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Wallowa Indian Paintbrush is found in the Wallowa Mountains.
• It grows in diverse environments, from coastal areas near the California border to high alpine zones.
• Specifically mentioned locations include:
  • Logan Valley, Malheur National Forest
  • Wallowa County
  • Wallowa Lake
  • Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Morphological Characteristics

• Castilleja wallowensis is described as a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant.
• The pale Wallowa Indian Paintbrush has a notable calyx.
• The species displays varied colors, including red-orange, yellow, and pale variations.

Ecological Role

• The Pale Wallowa Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja oresbia) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family (Broomrapes), which are often parasitic or hemiparasitic. This suggests a potential interaction with host plants.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant's interaction with host plants as a possible parasite is noted, particularly with Castilleja oresbia.

Resources and Further Information

• NatureServe
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System
• Discover Life
• Garden Guides
• SummitPost.org
• Getty Images
• Alamy
• portail-jardin.com