Castilleja nana Eastw.

Nomenclature

Castilleja nana Eastw. is a species of Indian paintbrush, commonly called dwarf alpine Indian paintbrush.

Distribution

It is native to the western United States, ranging from the Sierra Nevada of California eastward to Utah, where it grows in dry, rocky alpine habitat.

Growth Form

It is a small, hairy perennial herb that reaches a maximum height of around 25 centimeters, though it often stays much smaller.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves are narrowly lance-shaped and grow up to about 3.5 centimeters long.

Bract Characteristics

The plant's inflorescence is a cluster of pointed, hairy bracts that can be yellow-green, pink, or pale purple.

Flower Characteristics

Small yellow flowers marked with purple spots grow between these bracts; the flowers are pouched and have tiny protruding stigmas.