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giant red paintbrush

Castilleja miniata

The giant red paintbrush is a bright and colorful flower that looks like it was dipped in paint! It grows in beautiful clusters and is often found in meadows and along mountain trails.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The giant red paintbrush has vibrant, fuzzy-looking flower spikes that are actually bright scarlet-red leaf-like structures called bracts. These brilliant, brush-like tops emerge from a base of slender green leaves, making it instantly recognizable and visually distinct in any meadow.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyOrobanchaceaeGenusCastilleja
giant red paintbrush
flowering trait badgecluster_flower trait badgespring_blooming trait badgecolorful trait badge
giant red paintbrush

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Hummingbirds are crazy about this plant's nectar, helping it spread its tiny seeds!

Its scientific name honors a Spanish botanist, Domingo Castillejo!

This plant is a 'half-parasite,' meaning it drinks from its neighbors' roots!

What looks like a flower is actually a bunch of bright red leaves called bracts!

Special abilities

Ability

Nutrient Siphon

The giant red paintbrush can connect to other plant roots to steal water and nutrients, helping it thrive in tough spots.

Ability

Hummingbird Beacon

Its fiery red, fuzzy "flowers" (bracts) are super bright, acting like a flashing sign to attract hummingbirds for pollination.

Measurements & details

Height
20-60 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
2-4 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to mid-summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Bird

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch or pick flowers without permission, as they are important for nature!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is giant red paintbrush?

20-60 cm

How wide does giant red paintbrush spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on giant red paintbrush?

2-4 cm

When does giant red paintbrush bloom?

Late spring to mid-summer

Is giant red paintbrush edible?

No

Is giant red paintbrush toxic?

Mild

What is giant red paintbrush's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is giant red paintbrush pollinated?

Bird

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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