Castilleja hispida

Common Names

Harsh Indian Paintbrush, Harsh Paintbrush

Summary

Harsh Indian paintbrush is a perennial hemi-parasite native to western North America, with a woody base and erect to ascending stems about 20–60 cm tall. It has bristly foliage and bracts that are bright scarlet (sometimes yellow), broadly lobed with 3–5 lobes and partly cover greenish flowers, with an inflorescence that is a bracted terminal spike.

In cultivation, it requires a compatible host plant (hemiparasite) with host associations including grasses and asters; propagation is by seed sown in spring (germination 1–3 months at 16–21°C) or by vegetative cuttings in late summer; plants prefer sunny, well-drained soils and occur in dry openings in forests and meadows from coast to high elevations; hardiness spans USDA zones 3b–9b; in landscape settings, it suits naturalistic meadow plantings and supports pollinators, particularly bumble bees.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

5-24 inches

Spread

6-15 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3b-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil, sandy or loamy.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green, sometimes purple-tinged

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, Attracts hummingbirds, Attracts butterflies, Attracts moths