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Glase, Terry
Castilleja miniata
Castilleja miniata Douglas ex Hook.
Giant Red Indian Paintbrush, Meadow Paintbrush
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: cami12
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Red , Pink , Orange , Yellow , GreenBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , ND , NM , NV , OR , UT , WA , WYCanada: AB , BC , MB , ON , SK , YT
Native Distribution: AK to AZ, e. to the Rockies
Native Habitat: Wet mountain meadows and stream banks below 11,000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil 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.
Propagation
Description: Sow seeds in fall with seeds of an herbaceous perennial. Bouteloua gracilis has been recommended as a host.Seed Treatment: Sow seeds in fall with seeds of an herbaceous perennial. Bouteloua gracilis has been recommended as a host.
Commercially Avail: yes
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Native, non-invasive plant seeds for each region in U.S.
June 09, 2006
I need to identify a wildflower from each region that we can package in custom packaging to use as giveaways at our member zoos and aquariums. Our project this year is called Conservation Made Simple...
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National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FAC | FACW | FAC | FACW |
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1989 VOL. 6, NO.3 - Butterfly Gardens, Director\'s Report, Proper Care Gives Staying Power to Cut Fl...Additional resources
USDA: Find Castilleja miniata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Castilleja miniata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Castilleja miniata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-10-28Research By: TWC Staff