Castilleja sessiliflora

Common Names

Downy Paintbrush, Downy Painted Cup, Indian Paintbrush, Great Plains Indian Paintbrush, Yellow Indian Paintbrush, Largeflower Indian Paintbrush

Summary

Downy Painted Cup is a native hemiparasitic perennial herb of the Great Plains, typically 10–40 cm tall with densely hairy stems. Leaves are linear to narrowly lanceolate and sessile; the inflorescence is a spike with bracts below each flower that are green to purplish and nearly equal to the flower; the corolla is 35–55 mm long and pale yellow to cream, with a two-lipped calyx and an exserted lower lip. The plant forms loose mats or short clusters and relies on host plants for moisture and nutrients.

It grows in dry prairies and similar habitats, tolerating dry, rocky soils; as a hemiparasite, vigor depends on a host plant; forms loose mats or short clusters; cannot be transplanted to gardens; seeds sprout easily; pollination is by hawk moths; ecological restorations benefit from nectar for bees, hawk moths, and occasionally hummingbirds, making it suitable for habitat plantings and prairie restoration.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-16 inches

Spread

8-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Dry, well-drained soil, sandy to loamy

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils

Soil pH

Mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils.

Bloom Color

White to pale yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green to purple, grayish with dust/hairs

Fall Foliage Color

Green to purple

Growth Rate

Medium rate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Bees: Yes — pollinated by Bombus fervidus queens, Other pollinators: Hawk moths