Giant Red Paintbrush
Castilleja miniata
About this plant
Castilleja miniata
Type: Perennial · Family: Orobanchaceae · Native Region: Pacific Northwest
Giant red paintbrush is a perennial herb that grows 12 to 80 centimeters tall, though occasionally reaching 1 meter, with few to many branching stems. It can have a taproot or grow from rhizomes with branching roots.[6] The lance-shaped leaves are 3 to 6 centimeters 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. Flowers bloom May to September.[7]
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.[8] It frequently will use willow as a host plant.[9] Its native habitats include wet mountain meadows and stream banks below 11,000 feet (3,400 m).[7]
Growing Conditions
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Dry to Medium
- Mature Size: 1 ft tall, 1 ft wide