Native Plant Database

Carr, Bill

Castilleja purpurea var. lindheimeri (Gray) Shinners

Lindheimer's paintbrush, Lindheimer's prairie paintbrush, Lindheimer's Indian paintbrush, Prairie Paintbrush

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

USDA Symbol: CAPUL

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Castilleja purpurea var. lindheimeri shares most of the characteristics of its species, C. purpurea, but is distinguished by floral bracts in a range of oranges and reds. It is more often found in clay soils than varieties citrina and purpurea. This perennial paintbrush ranges from the Blackland prairies of north-central Texas south to the Rio Grande plains in calcareous gravels, sands, and clays. A prairie plant adapted to its environment by part-parasitizing grass roots.

This variety is named after Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer (1801-1879) who is often called the Father of Texas Botany because of his work as the first permanent-resident plant collector in Texas. In 1834 Lindheimer immigrated to the United States as a political refugee. He spent from 1843-1852 collecting specimens in Texas. In 1844 he settled in New Braunfels, Texas, and was granted land on the banks of the Comal River, where he continued his plant collecting and attempted to establish a botanical garden. He shared his findings with many others who shared his interest in botany, including Ferdinand von Roemer and Adolph Scheele. Lindheimer is credited with the discovery of several hundred plant species. In addition his name is used to designate forty-eight species and subspecies of plants. He is buried in New Braunfels. His house, on Comal Street in New Braunfels, is now a museum.

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