Sign In 
Get Premium Texas Indian Paintbrush
(Castilleja indivisa)
Texas Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa)
/
/
Annika Lindqvist
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Annika Lindqvist
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Annika Lindqvist | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Annika Lindqvist | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-04-27T17:46:14-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Castilleja indivisa, commonly known as Texas Indian Paintbrush or Entireleaf Indian Paintbrush, is a hemiparasitic annual herb native to prairies, open woodlands, and grassy slopes in Texas and Oklahoma. It is known for its vibrant red bracts that encircle the inconspicuous white to greenish flowers, resembling a brush dipped in red paint. Occasionally, variations with light yellow or pure white bracts can be found among the reds. The plant typically grows to a height of 30–45 cm (12–18 in) with long, stalkless leaves. Its roots extend until they encounter the roots of other plants, particularly grasses, where they form connections to siphon some of their host’s nutrients.
The Texas Indian Paintbrush is celebrated for its striking red bracts that bloom in early to mid-spring, adding a splash of color to wildflower meadows and garden beds. It is often used in wildflower mixes and as a border plant in gardens that aim to replicate native prairie landscapes. The plant prefers well-drained soils and thrives in full sun, requiring low to medium amounts of water. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be challenging to establish due to its parasitic nature. Gardeners should plant it near grasses or other compatible host plants to ensure its growth. There are no major disease issues, but poor drainage can lead to root rot. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Texas Indian Paintbrush is celebrated for its striking red bracts that bloom in early to mid-spring, adding a splash of color to wildflower meadows and garden beds. It is often used in wildflower mixes and as a border plant in gardens that aim to replicate native prairie landscapes. The plant prefers well-drained soils and thrives in full sun, requiring low to medium amounts of water. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be challenging to establish due to its parasitic nature. Gardeners should plant it near grasses or other compatible host plants to ensure its growth. There are no major disease issues, but poor drainage can lead to root rot. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-2 feet
- Width: 0.4-0.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red, Orange, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to prairies, open woodlands, and grassy slopes in Texas and Oklahoma
Other Names
Common Names: Texas Paintbrush
Scientific Names: , Castilleja indivisa, Castilleja indivisa f. vivida,
GBIF Accepted Name: Castilleja indivisa Engelm.