Sign In 
Get Premium Applegate’s Indian Paintbrush
(Castilleja applegatei)
Applegate’s Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja applegatei)
/
/
Jim Morefield
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jim Morefield
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jim Morefield | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jim Morefield | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-07-20T17:17:06-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Castilleja applegatei, commonly known as Applegate’s Indian paintbrush or wavyleaf Indian paintbrush, is a short-lived perennial herb native to the sagebrush steppe and open woodlands of the western United States. It typically grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm). This species is characterized by its sticky, wavy-edged leaves and bright, showy inflorescences of small red to yellowish-red tubular flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators and are often used by hummingbirds. The plant is a root hemiparasite, meaning it can photosynthesize but also obtains nutrients by parasitizing the roots of other plants, such as sagebrush.
Applegate’s Indian paintbrush is valued for its vibrant flower color and unique foliage texture, making it a desirable addition to native plant gardens, wildflower meadows, and restoration projects. It requires well-drained soils and is tolerant of dry conditions once established, thriving in full sun to partial shade. While it can survive independently, its parasitic nature should be considered when planting to ensure compatibility with surrounding vegetation. There are no major diseases or pests associated with this plant, but it may be challenging to grow due to its parasitic habit and specific soil requirements.CC BY-SA 4.0
Applegate’s Indian paintbrush is valued for its vibrant flower color and unique foliage texture, making it a desirable addition to native plant gardens, wildflower meadows, and restoration projects. It requires well-drained soils and is tolerant of dry conditions once established, thriving in full sun to partial shade. While it can survive independently, its parasitic nature should be considered when planting to ensure compatibility with surrounding vegetation. There are no major diseases or pests associated with this plant, but it may be challenging to grow due to its parasitic habit and specific soil requirements.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Herb
- Height: 1-2.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Orange, Red, White, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Sagebrush steppe and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Wavyleaf Indian Paintbrush, Fernleaf Indian Paintbrush, Pine Indian Paintbrush, Wavy-Leaf Paintbrush
Scientific Names: , Castilleja applegatei, Castilleja brooksii, Castilleja dolichostylis, Castilleja excelsa, Castilleja hoffmannii, Castilleja trisecta,
GBIF Accepted Name: