Wyoming Indian Paintbrush

(Castilleja linariifolia)

Wyoming Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia)

Public domain

Image By: Public domain

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Public domain | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Mav | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Indian_Paintbrush_in_Grand_Teton_NP-NPS.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description= Catananche caerulea - Cupids Dart |Source= Own Work |Date= Feb 10th 2007 |Author= Ltshears - Trisha M Shears |Permission= |other_versions= }} |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Castilleja linariifolia, commonly known as Wyoming Indian Paintbrush, is a semi-evergreen perennial herb native to dry, open areas such as meadows, grasslands, and scrublands in the Western United States. It typically grows up to one meter in height and has sparse, linear leaves that are between 20 and 80 mm in length and may have up to 3 lobes. The Wyoming Indian Paintbrush is notable for its vibrant bracts, which are often mistaken for flowers; the true flowers are small and inconspicuous, nestled within the showy, pinkish-red to yellow bracts. The plant blooms from late spring to early fall, with peak flowering occurring between June and September.

This species is valued for its ability to add bright splashes of color to naturalistic plantings and wildflower meadows. It is a hemiparasitic plant, meaning it obtains some of its nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants, which should be considered when planting. Wyoming Indian Paintbrush requires well-drained soils and is tolerant of poor, rocky substrates, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is adapted to low or medium water conditions. While not commonly used in formal garden settings, it can be a striking addition to native plant gardens and restoration projects. Care should be taken with this species as it may not transplant well due to its parasitic nature and specialized root system.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 0.667-1 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Red, Orange
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to dry, open areas such as meadows, grasslands, and scrublands in the Western United States

Other Names

Common Names: Wyoming Paintbrush, Narrow-Leaved Indian Paintbrush, Desert Paintbrush, Wyoming Desert Paintbrush, Wyoming Paintbrush, Linaria-Leaved Indian Paintbrush, Indian Paintbrush

Scientific Names: , Castilleja linariifolia, Castilleja linariifolia f. omnipubescens, Castilleja linariifolia var. omnipubescens, Castilleja linearis, Castilleja arcuata, Castilleja howellii, Castilleja salticola, Castilleja affinis var. linariifolia, Castilleja candens

GBIF Accepted Name: Castilleja linariifolia Benth.