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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.

 

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam

Soil Condition

Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Water Saving Tip:

Move turf away form sidewalks and pavement.

Instead plant shrubs or groundcovers next to the pavement, and water with low-flow drip or bubbler system to eliminate runoff from turf sprinklers