In fact, they are a preferred nectar source for broad-tailed hummingbirds and a favorite host for Fulvia Checkerspot butterflies, both of which are common in Colorado.Īre you interested in introducing the Indian paintbrush into your garden? Lifescape’s Colorado landscape architects team can do it for you. Give us a call at 303.831.8310, or contact us online. Because the Indian paintbrush doesn’t have any branches or strong stalks for birds to perch on, they are a favorite food source for hovering pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The plant’s true flowers are actually smaller, slender green growths hidden amongst the bracts. That gorgeous red color we so often admire is actually bracts, or specially modified leaves, as opposed to flowers. Consider planting stands of blue gamma grass or sagebrush nearby to help the Indian paintbrush thrive. The inflorescence is generally yellow, but may be orange or even red. Desert Paintbrush can be found scattered throughout much of Parashant National Monument. The entire-margined leaves are narrowly lance-shaped, and the foliage is glabrous or covered with long, soft hairs. However, this relationship doesn’t do any damage to the unsuspecting neighbors. Slender Indian Paintbrush is a perennial with slender, erect or ascending, usually unbranched stems, 20-50 cm tall, that often root at the base. Indian paintbrush intertwines its roots with other plants to leach nutrients and water. Castilleja, commonly known as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire, is a genus of about 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants native to the. Here are some other interesting characteristics to note: Source: Grow Native Colorful Indian paintbrush grows between 4- to 22-inches high on average.

This perennial plant prefers dry, loamy soil and plays host to a wide range of pollinators, making it a great plant for backyard designs.

There are over 100 species of Indian paintbrushes, but one of the most common and best adapted to our climate is the colorful Indian paintbrush ( Castilleja Angustifolia). Looking For a Colorful, Drought-Tolerant Perennial? Meet the Indian Paintbrush Fortunately for you, these Colorado plants are easy to add to your own landscape and will thrive happily year after year. Upon closer examination, the Indian paintbrush is a small to medium-sized plant with stalks of linear leaves topped by bright red bracts. Indian paintbrush is an attractive member of the parasitic Broomrape family (Orobancaceae). If so, there’s a good chance you’ve spotted stands of Indian paintbrush ( Castilleja ssp). The Indian Paintbrush is a native perennial, annual, or biennial herb (depending on the species) of North America.

If you’ve spent any amount of time gazing at our beautiful Colorado landscape, no doubt you’ve noticed a couple of fiery spots of color dotting the hillsides and valleys from March through September.

Paintbrush plant information