Common Names: Giant Red Indian Paintbrush, Scarlet Indian Paintbrush, Meadow Paintbrush
Synonyms: Castilleja miniata
Taxonomy: Broomrape (Orobanchaceae)
Habit:
Size: 1-1.5’ tall
Flowers: perennial forb, herb
Bloom: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Leaves: alternate
Fruit: capsule
Description:
The lance-shaped leaves are 1-2.5” (3-6 cm) long, pointed, and coated in thin hairs. The inflorescence is made up of bright red to pale orange or orange-tipped bracts. Between the bracts emerge the yellow-green, red-edged tubular flowers. Because most species of the genus are parasitic on other plants, sophisticated networks are formed between their roots and those of other species. They therefore cannot be transplanted in most cases.
Distribution: AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, ND, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY
Habitat: native habitats include wet mountain meadows and stream banks below 11,000 feet (3,400 m)
