Native Plant Database

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Castilleja linariifolia (Wyoming indian paintbrush)
Bransford, W.D. Mrs.

Castilleja linariifolia Benth.

Wyoming Indian paintbrush, Wyoming indian-paintbrush

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

USDA Symbol: CALI4

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Wyoming indian-paintbrush is a grayish-green, pubescent perennial with several leafy stems to 30 in. tall. Linear leaves subtend the torch-like spikes of showy, bright-red bracts. These bracts are hiding small, green flowers.

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 plants usually kills them.

 

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Plant Characteristics

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

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NV , NM , OR , UT , WY
Native Distribution: S. MT to c. OR, s. to n.w. NM, n. AZ & e. CA
Native Habitat: Moist to dry, open woods & brush areas from 2500-12,000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained, rocky 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.

Propagation

Description: Sow seeds in the fall.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Bibliography

Earth Medicine, Earth Food (1990) Michael A. Weiner

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-01-12
Research By: TWC Staff

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