ExplorePlants

harsh paintbrush

Castilleja hispida

The harsh paintbrush is a bright and colorful flower that loves to grow in rocky places. Its unique shape looks like a paintbrush dipped in bright colors, making it a special sight in nature!

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The harsh paintbrush has upright, bristly stems topped with vibrant, flame-like clusters of red-orange and yellow. These colorful parts are actually modified leaves called bracts, which often hide its tiny, inconspicuous green flowers. Its bright hues make it easily distinguishable against its often dry, rocky habitats.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyOrobanchaceaeGenusCastilleja
harsh paintbrush
flowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badge
harsh paintbrush

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

It's a 'hemiparasite,' meaning it drinks from other plants' roots!

Its roots can connect to over 10 different plant species at once!

The bright 'flowers' you see are actually colorful leaves called bracts!

The name 'paintbrush' comes from how its bright top looks dipped in paint!

Special abilities

Ability

Nutrient Thief

Harsh paintbrush has special roots that can steal water and nutrients from nearby plants to help it grow.

Ability

Pollinator Beacon

Its bright red-orange bracts act like a giant arrow, guiding hummingbirds and bees to its tiny flowers.

Ability

Hardy Helper

Harsh paintbrush can thrive in rocky, dry soils where many other plants struggle to find nutrients and water.

Measurements & details

Height
20-60 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Yellow-faced Bumblebee

Bombus vosnesenskii

collects nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

drinks nectar, transfers pollen.

parasitizes

Bluebunch Wheatgrass

Pseudoroegneria spicata

taps into its roots for water.

parasitizes

Common Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

steals nutrients from roots.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers in the wild, as some can be delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is harsh paintbrush?

20-60 cm

How wide does harsh paintbrush spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on harsh paintbrush?

0.5-1.5 cm

When does harsh paintbrush bloom?

Late spring to summer

Is harsh paintbrush edible?

No

Is harsh paintbrush toxic?

Moderate

What is harsh paintbrush's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is harsh paintbrush pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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