Castilleja unalaschcensis, commonly known as Unalaska Paintbrush, is a perennial herb that is native to the subarctic and arctic regions of western North America, with a particular prevalence in Alaska. It is adapted to a range of habitats including moist tundra, meadows, and alpine slopes. This species is part of the Orobanchaceae family and is known for its hemiparasitic nature, often drawing nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants. The Unalaska Paintbrush typically forms dense clumps and reaches a modest height of up to 16 inches (40 cm).

The plant is characterized by its vibrant red bracts that surround small, inconspicuous greenish flowers, which bloom from June to September. The bracts are often mistaken for petals and are highly attractive to pollinators. The Unalaska Paintbrush is valued for its unique appearance and is used in wildflower gardens and naturalistic plantings. It requires moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade conditions. While it is not commonly found in cultivation, it can be a striking addition to gardens that can replicate its native habitat conditions. Care should be taken to ensure that it does not become overly competitive with other plants in the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0