Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Harsh Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja hispida) is a uncommon native perennial herb that grows in California, primarily in the Klamath Mountain Range region. It is fast growing and short-lived. It grows in an upright form to a height of 1.5 feet, with active growth during the spring and summer. Flowers are red and striking, and bloom in the mid spring. Leaves are light-green and deciduous. It tends to grow in dry open places, at elevations from 700-5600 feet.

Plant type

Annual herb, Perennial herb

Size

10 - 19 in Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Fast

Dormancy

Winter Deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Red, Red

Flowering season

Spring

Sun

Partial Shade

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Site type

Dry open places

Plant communities

Yellow Pine Forest

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 8 likely

Confirmed Likely

Orange Tortrix Moth

Argyrotaenia franciscana

Alfalfa Looper Moth

Autographa californica

Leanira Checkerspot

Chlosyne leanira