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Castilleja affinis

Indian Paintbrush

Plant photo of: Castilleja affinis
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Information by: Calscape.org        Photographer: Barry Breckling

 

Description

Indian Paintbrush is a species native to western North America from Washington to Baja California, where it grows on hills and mountains slopes along the coast and inland. This is a perennial herb growing an erect stem up to 2' in maximum height. It is greenish to purple in color and may be hairless to quite hairy. The leaves are variable in shape and up to 3" long. The flower cluster is a series of leaves in shades of bright red to yellowish. The fruit is a capsule less than half inch long. Ssp. affinis (Coast Indian paintbrush) occurs commonly throughout western North America from Washington to Baja California. Castilleja is a hemi-parasite, meaning that it derives some of its nutrients from a host plant. It does best in full sun with rocky and sandy soil. It does well in coastal areas and is used for butterfly gardens.

 

Plant Type

Perennial, Herb

Height Range

Width Range

Flower Color

Orange, Red, Yellow, Multi-Colored

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam

Soil Condition

Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Entry, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Filler

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Check your irrigation controller once a month, and adjust as necessary.

Most plants require only one-third as much water in winter as they do in summer.