Northwestern Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja angustifolia
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © zachcoury (iNaturalist #194113002)






Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Orobanchaceae
- Genus:
- Castilleja
- Species:
- Castilleja angustifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- CAAN7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 50 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- red, orange, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Amblyptilia pica, Anicia checkerspot (Euphydryas anicia), ⚠️Edith's checkerspot (Euphydryas editha), Thessalia leanira, Variable checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown following fire; benefits from periodic burns that reduce competing vegetation.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- often found in arid, open habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Hemiparasitic; requires host plant roots for successful establishment. Seed germinates best when sown near host grasses or forbs.
Pre-treatment: None required
Source: npn.rngr.net