Castilleja miniata Douglas

Common Name and Growth Form

Castilleja miniata Douglas, commonly known as giant red paintbrush, is a perennial herb.

Stem Height and Branching

It grows 12 to 80 centimeters tall, and occasionally reaches up to 1 meter, with few to many branching stems.

Root Structure

It may grow from a taproot, or from rhizomes that produce branching roots.

Leaf Characteristics

Its lance-shaped leaves are 3 to 6 centimeters long, have pointed tips, and are covered in thin hairs.

Inflorescence Bract Color

Its inflorescence consists of bracts that range in color from bright red to pale orange, or have orange tips.

Flower Morphology

Tubular yellow-green flowers with red edges emerge between these bracts.

Flowering Period

Flowering occurs from May to September.

Genus Parasitic Trait

Most species in the Castilleja genus are parasitic on other plants, forming complex root networks with other species.

Transplant Suitability

Because of this parasitic nature, giant red paintbrush usually cannot be successfully transplanted.

Host Plant

It frequently uses willow as a host plant.

Native Habitat and Elevation Range

Its native habitats are wet mountain meadows and stream banks located below 11,000 feet (3,400 m).