Castilleja arachnoidea

Common Names

Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush, Cobwebby Paintbrush, Paintbrush, Cobwebby

Summary

Cobwebby Indian paintbrush is a small perennial herb native to western North America, including California, Nevada, and Oregon. It grows erect to 3–12 in tall on open dry rocks or summits in alpine to subalpine habitats. The plant is covered with white-woolly hairs; leaves measure 0.75–2.25 in long. The inflorescence spans 3–12 cm, with bracts 0.25–0.75 in long that are deeply divided into 3–5 rounded lobes. Bracts range from yellow to dull red; flowers are pale green or purple-red; the fruit is a capsule about 1 cm long, and flowering occurs in mid-summer. It is uncommon in its native range.

In cultivation, it favors sunny rock crevices and protection from winter wet in a poorly drained alpine setting, thriving in poor, drained soils. Propagation is by seed sown in spring (uncovered) with germination in 1–3 months at 16–21°C, or by cuttings in late summer. This alpine-origin species and its uncommon status suit specialized rock gardens and native habitat plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2.5-12 inches

Spread

2.5-8 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Dry, rocky soils

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, dry, rocky soil

Bloom Color

Greenish yellow to purplish red

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green to purple or steel gray

Fall Foliage Color

Yellowish to dull red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies