Native Plant Database

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Castilleja integra (Wholeleaf indian paintbrush)
Bransford, W.D. Mrs.

Castilleja integra Gray

Wholeleaf Indian paintbrush, Squawfeather

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

USDA Symbol: CAIN14

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This perennial paintbrush, 6-16 in. tall, bears several leafy stems from a woody root. The stems are topped by crimson, floral spikes. The flowers themselves are greenish, tinged scarlet, and are mostly hidden by the showy crimson, or sometimes yellowish, bracts. Narrow, unlobed, undivided leaves line the stems.

The roots of this plant will grow until they touch the roots of other plants, frequently grasses, penetrating these host roots to obtain a portion of their nutrients. Transplanting paintbrush may kill it.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AZ , CO , NM , TX
Native Distribution: W. TX to AZ & n. Mex., n. to CO
Native Habitat: Arid hills, plains & mesas
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Description: Gravelly soils.
Conditions Comments: The roots of this plant will grow until they touch the roots of other plants, frequently grasses, penetrating these host roots to obtain a portion of their nutrients. Transplanting paintbrush may kill it.

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Castilleja integra is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Fulvia Checkerspot
(Chlosyne fulvia)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA

Propagation

Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

Bibliography

Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Castilleja integra in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Castilleja integra in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Castilleja integra

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-01-13
Research By: TWC Staff

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