Woolly Indian Paintbrush
(Castilleja foliolosa)
Woolly Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja foliolosa)
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Dana L. Brown
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Dana L. Brown
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Dana L. Brown | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Dana L. Brown | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Castilleja foliolosa, commonly known as Woolly Indian Paintbrush, is a perennial herb native to California and northern Baja California, where it is found in a variety of habitats including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and rocky desert and mountain slopes. It typically grows up to 24 inches tall and is notable for its stems and leaves that are coated in woolly white or gray hairs, giving it a distinctive texture. The plant is characterized by its inflorescence, which features bright orange-red to dull yellowish-green bracts that are often mistaken for flowers. The actual flowers are small, greenish, and pouch-shaped, nestled among the bracts. Woolly Indian Paintbrush blooms in spring and summer, adding vibrant color to the landscape during these seasons.
Woolly Indian Paintbrush is valued for its unique appearance and is often used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and restoration projects. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established, preferring well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. While it is not typically used for culinary or medicinal purposes, it is an important plant for pollinators and can help support local ecosystems. Gardeners should note that Castilleja foliolosa is hemiparasitic, meaning it obtains some of its nutrients from the roots of nearby plants, which should be considered when planting. It is generally disease-resistant but can be affected by root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Woolly Indian Paintbrush is valued for its unique appearance and is often used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and restoration projects. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established, preferring well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. While it is not typically used for culinary or medicinal purposes, it is an important plant for pollinators and can help support local ecosystems. Gardeners should note that Castilleja foliolosa is hemiparasitic, meaning it obtains some of its nutrients from the roots of nearby plants, which should be considered when planting. It is generally disease-resistant but can be affected by root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Herb
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow, Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, Orange, Red, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and rocky desert and mountain slopes in California and northern Baja California
Other Names
Common Names: Woolly Indian Paintbrush, Woolly Paintbrush
Scientific Names: , Castilleja foliolosa, Castilleja clementis,
GBIF Accepted Name: