Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Castilleja miniata Dougl. ex Hook.
Giant red Indian paintbrush, Great red indian-paintbrush, Meadow paintbrush
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
An erect
perennial, from 1 1/2-3 ft. tall, with stems either unbranched or somewhat branched above. The flower cluster of this leafy plant resembles a ragged, crimson or scarlet paintbrush,
calyx and bracts beneath each flower brightly colored. Leaves are lance-shaped and the torch-like flower
spike is made up of vibrant orange, red or pink bracts and
sepals hiding the small, green flowers.
Most Indian paintbrushes are partial parasites on other plants, their roots establishing connections with roots of other species. For this reason, they usually cannot be transplanted, and are difficult to grow from seed.
Image Gallery:
4 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , Pink , Orange
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NV , NM , ND , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB ,
SK Native Distribution: AK to AZ, e. to the Rockies
Native Habitat: Wet mt. meadows and stream banks below 11,000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
Soil Description: Wet to moist, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Roots grow until they touch the roots of other plants, frequently grasses, then penetrate the roots of these host plants, obtaining a portion of their nutrients. Transplanting paintbrush usually kills it.
Last Update: 2009-01-12
