Castilleja affinis
Indian Paintbrush
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:
Dig-up patches of weeds and undesirable grasses from turf areas.
Use water to grow the turf you want, not the weeds you don't want! Once you have eliminated what you don't want, add sod or over-seed to repair the bare areas.