Coast Paintbrush
ExplorePlants
Coast Paintbrush
Castilleja affinis
The Coast Paintbrush is a bright and colorful flower that grows in coastal areas. Its unique shape looks like a paintbrush, and it attracts many butterflies and bees!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Coast Paintbrush has vibrant, brush-like flower spikes in shades of red, orange, and sometimes yellow. Its true flowers are small, hidden among leafy, colorful bracts that give it its distinctive painted appearance. These striking bracts make it easily stand out in coastal landscapes.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyOrobanchaceaeGenusCastilleja
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Although colorful, its true flowers are tiny and hidden behind the vibrant, leaf-like bracts!
California's state flower, the California Poppy, often grows alongside Coast Paintbrush!
Its scientific name honors Domingo Castillejo, a famous Spanish professor!
The Coast Paintbrush is related to snapdragons and plantains, surprising family members!
Special abilities
Ability
Root Robber
Coast Paintbrush can attach its roots to other plants, secretly siphoning water and nutrients to help itself grow strong.
Ability
Beacon Bracts
Coast Paintbrush has bright, leaf-like bracts that act like colorful flags, signaling hummingbirds and insects to its sweet nectar.
Ability
Coastal Crusader
The Coast Paintbrush can thrive in harsh coastal conditions, tolerating salty air and sandy soils where many other plants struggle.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-60 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Bird
Ecological connections
depends on
California Sagebrush
Artemisia californica
siphons water and nutrients from its roots to grow
depends on
Silver Bush Lupine
Lupinus albifrons
attaches to its roots for extra water and nutrients
pollinates
Anna's Hummingbird
Calypte anna
drinks nectar from its showy, colorful bracts
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen from its small flowers
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't pick flowers without asking an adult, so we can enjoy them in nature!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Coast Paintbrush?
20-60 cm
How wide does Coast Paintbrush spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Coast Paintbrush?
0.5-1.5 cm
When does Coast Paintbrush bloom?
Spring to early summer
Is Coast Paintbrush edible?
No
Is Coast Paintbrush toxic?
Mild
What is Coast Paintbrush's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Coast Paintbrush pollinated?
Bird
Snap Map
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