Page author: David Giblin
Castilleja miniata
common paintbrush, scarlet paintbrush
Calyx lobes are acute, and the green flowers are well exserted from the calyx (var. dixonii).
Specimens
Photos

Distribution: Occurring on both sides of the Cascades crest in Washington; Alaska to California, east to the Rocky Mountains and Great Lakes region.

Habitat: Mountain meadows and slopes; also on coastal bluffs; widespread and common.

Flowers: May-September

Origin: Native

Growth Duration: Perennial

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Pollination: Bumblebees, bees, hummingbirds

Description:
General:

Perennial herb to 80 cm tall; stems in small clusters, often branched above.

Leaves:

Simple, narrow with pointed tip; inflorescence leaves and bracts bright red, sometimes with a few small lobes.

Flowers:

Inconspicuous, greenish, tubular flowers, surrounded by a much showier bright red calyx and inflorescence bracts.

Fruits:

2-celled capsules with many seeds.

Identification Notes:

A few traits to look for include the narrow unlobed leaves; bright red inflorescence; sharply pointed calyx lobes, and greenish flowers much longer than calyx. Castilleja is a difficult genus; consult technical keys.

Comments:

Our most common Castilleja in the mountians.

Accepted Name:
Castilleja miniata Douglas ex Hook.
Publication: Fl. Bor.-Amer. (Hooker) 2(9): 106. 1838.

Synonyms & Misapplications:
(none provided)
Infraspecies:
Additional Resources:

PNW Herbaria: Specimen records of Castilleja miniata in the Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria database

WA Flora Checklist: Castilleja miniata checklist entry

OregonFlora: Castilleja miniata information

E-Flora BC: Castilleja miniata atlas page

CalPhotos: Castilleja miniata photos

129 photographs:
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