Castilleja sessiliflora, commonly known as Downy Painted Cup or Downy Indian Paintbrush, is a perennial herb native to the prairies and grasslands of the Great Plains in North America, extending from southern Canada through the United States to northern Mexico, and including the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. It typically grows up to 14 inches tall from a woody root crown and is hemiparasitic, obtaining nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants. The plant features a mix of green bracts and vibrant yellowish to pink tubular flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as hawk moths.

Downy Indian Paintbrush is valued for its unique flowering habit and its ability to thrive in tough prairie conditions. It is often used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and restoration projects due to its ecological role in supporting pollinators and its adaptability to poor soils. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soils and full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be challenging to establish due to its parasitic nature and may require proximity to certain host plants. It is not commonly affected by diseases but can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0