Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Castilleja sessiliflora Pursh
Downy painted cup, Downy paintbrush, Great Plains paintbrush, Great Plains indian-paintbrush
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
A soft, leafy
perennial, 6-10 in. tall, often several-stemmed. Large but inconspicuous yellow (sometimes pinkish) flowers and green bracts, tinged with pink or red, form dense spikes. A hairy plant with clustered stems and yellow to pinkish bracts and flowers with corollas protruding like long, pale, curved beaks.
In very dry areas with poor soil, this species forms diminutive tufts; where soil and moisture are better, plants are taller and more open.
Image Gallery:
7 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf: Yellow-Green
Fruit: Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , Green
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AZ , CO , IL , IA , KS , MN , MO , MT , NE , NM , ND , OK , SD , TX , WI , WY
Canada: AB ,
SK Native Distribution: WI & extreme n. IL to Sask. & MT, s.w. to MO, TX & AZ; also n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Dry prairies; grassy plains
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Dry, rocky or sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: As with other paintbrushes, this plant is semiparasitic on other plants and is almost impossible to transplant to the garden, but can be started easily from seed.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2011-02-07
