Marshmeadow Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja lineata

Native to:
United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Orobanchaceae
Genus:
Castilleja
Species:
Castilleja lineata
USDA Symbol:
CALI5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
40 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
red, orange, yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

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; often increases in abundance post-burn in grassland and open habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
often found in alpine and subalpine meadows

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Hemiparasitic; germinates best near host plant roots. Light may aid germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Scarify, then cold-moist stratify for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI