Giant Red Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata)

Giant red paintbrush is a stunning, iconic wildflower that is commonly found in moist mountain meadows and roadside along mountain passes. Numerous branching stems with lance-shaped leaves are topped with bright red to orange-tipped leafy bracts, that look like they've been dipped in paint. This wildflower is adored by hummingbirds, and is a larval host plant for many species of native butterflies and moths. While paintbrushes are a beautiful addition to perennial gardens, they are known to be difficult to cultivate and establish in the garden. They are hemiparasitic, meaning that while they do photosynthesize, they also form networks with other nearby plant species, extracting nutrients through the roots of their host. To increase chances of success, it is recommended to plant multiple paintbrush plants along with a host. Possible host plants include broadleaf lupine, yarrow, and woolly sunflower.

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil & Moisture: Moist to mesic, seasonally moist soil. Tolerates seasonally dry conditions once established.
Mature Size: Up to 30" tall
Bloom Time: May to September, dependent on elevation and habitat
Edible: No
Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies. Host plant for many native species of butterflies and moths.
Native Range & Habitat: Grows in a wide variety of habitats, usually in moist mountain meadows, forest openings, and streambanks at higher elevations. Native to western North America from Alaska south to California, east to the Rocky Mountains and Ontario.
Other Names: Common red paintbrush, scarlet paintbrush