Downy paintbrush (Castilleja sessiliflora, Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 738 (1813))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: Pursh

Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 738 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Castilleja

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Canada to W. & C. U.S.A. and N. Mexico (to Jalisco)

Description

Downy paintbrush, scientifically named Castilleja sessiliflora, is a captivating perennial plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. This species was described and documented by Pursh in 1813 under “Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 738.” The downy paintbrush is native to a broad range of regions extending from Canada, through the western and central United States, and down into northern Mexico, reaching as far as Jalisco.

This resilient plant is well-adapted to diverse environments within these areas. Its preferred habitats include prairies, open woodlands, and rocky slopes, where it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. The downy paintbrush showcases a distinctive appearance with its soft, hairy stems and foliage, which give it the “downy” descriptor in its common name.

One of the most striking features of Castilleja sessiliflora is its inflorescence. The plant produces vibrant, colorful bracts that can range from creamy white to various shades of pink and purple, often creating a striking contrast with its green leaves. These bracts are designed to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive process.

Ecologically, the downy paintbrush is also interesting due to its hemiparasitic nature; it partially relies on nutrients and water from neighboring host plants, which it taps into using specialized roots called haustoria. This unique adaptation allows it to thrive even in environments where other plants might struggle.

In summary, Castilleja sessiliflora, or downy paintbrush, is a remarkable plant notable for its attractive appearance, ecological adaptations, and broad native range. It continues to intrigue botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its unique characteristics and the role it plays in its natural habitat.

Common Names

Eng: great plains indian paintbrush, indian paintbrush, downy paintbrush, downy painted-cup, downy paintedcup
Fra: castilléjie à fleurs sessiles
En: Downy paintbrush, Downy painted-cup, Downy paintedcup, Great Plains Indian paintbrush, INDIANPAINTBRUSH, Indian paintbrush
Fr: Castilléjie à fleurs sessiles

Synonyms

• Euchroma grandiflora (Nutt.)
• Bartsia grandiflora (Spreng.)
• Castilleja sessiliflora f. purpurina (Pennell)
• Castilleja sessiliflora subsp. betheli (Cockerell)
• Castilleja grandiflora ((Nutt.) Spreng.)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 25, 2021 by Jennifer MacDonald (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2010 by EOL − Judy McBride (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 13, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 7, 2010 by EOL − Judy McBride (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Sep 6, 2015 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2016 by EOL − Nathan Taylor (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 5, 2016 by EOL − Bill Lupardus (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 2, 2015 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170616)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:801155-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Castilleja sessiliflora Pursh)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.4

Ph minimum: 6.0