About Castilleja thompsonii Pennell
Castilleja thompsonii Pennell grows as clusters of erect stems that reach 10 to 40 cm in height. Its lower leaves are simple and linear, while its upper leaves are divided into 3 to 5 narrow linear lobes. Hairs lightly cover the leaves, stems, and floral bracts of the species. Flowers develop at the top of each stem, and their overall outward appearance is mostly shaped by the bracts, which have a maroon to pale reddish base and cream to pale yellow-green upper sections. This species grows in seasonally dry open areas in south central British Columbia and eastern Washington State. It typically occurs in thin rocky soils associated with sagebrush, and also grows at higher mountain elevations on open rocky ridges.