MM Indian Paintbrush

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Indian Paintbrush

Most of the Indian Paintbrush plants found on highways have been seeded by the State. There are many species native to Texas. The most common mixes include Castilleja indivisa, Castilleja integra, and Castilleja purpurea.

These are parasitic plants that must have a host for their supply of nitrogen and other nutrients. The host is often the grass that grows around it. Flower spikes range from 6" to 12" tall. There are no petals, instead colorful bracts suround tiny flowers.

Thanks to the Texas Highway Department

Scrophulariaceae - Figwort family
Photos taken in Eastland County, Texas, April 2003

Indian Paintbrush - pink + coral + yellow

Similar Species

Indian Paintbrush (Scarlet Paintbrush, Texas Paintbrush, Entireleaf Indian Paintbrush) Castilleja indivisa
Flower bracts are scarlet, pink, or white.
(Native of Texas - east, central, and south - Taylor, Callahan, Coleman, Brown)

Orange Indian Paintbrush (Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush) Castilleja integra
Flower bracts are orange.
(Native of Texas - Trans Pecos)

Lemon Paintbrush, Castilleja purpurea var citrina (5)

Lemon Paintbrush, Castilleja purpurea var citrina (3)

Lemon Paintbrush, Castilleja purpurea var citrina (2)

Lemon Paintbrush, Castilleja purpurea var citrina (1)

Lemon Paintbrush, Castilleja purpurea var citrina (8)

Scrophulariaceae - Figwort family
Lemon Paintbrush (Prairie Indian Paintbrush) Castilleja purpurea var. citrina
This is a native of Taylor County. Flower bracts are yellow to greenish. Other variations can be yellow-green, rose, brick red, and purple.
Photos taken in Taylor County, Texas, April 2005
(Native of Texas - north, central and west - Taylor, etc.)

Also see:
pink or red wild lily
white wild lily & lily-like
Blue-eyed Grass Yucca

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