Scarlet paintbrush (Castilleja miniata, W.J.Hooker, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 106 (1838))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: Douglas ex Benth.

Bibliography: W.J.Hooker, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 106 (1838)

Year: 1838

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Castilleja

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Alaska to Canada and NW. Mexico

Description

The Scarlet paintbrush is a captivating and vibrant wildflower known scientifically as Castilleja miniata. This striking plant, first described in the Bibliography by W.J. Hooker in 1838, belongs to the Orobanchaceae family and was formally named by botanists Douglas and Benth. Its extraordinary beauty and vivid coloration distinguish it as a notable member of the plant kingdom.

One of the most remarkable features of the Scarlet paintbrush is its intense red to orange inflorescences that appear like paintbrush tips dipped in bright scarlet hues. These colorful bracts, which are specialized leaves, often overshadow the smaller, less conspicuous actual flowers and serve to attract the pollinators crucial for the plant’s reproduction.

Geographically, the Scarlet paintbrush showcases a widespread distribution. Its native range stretches from the vast wilderness of Alaska through the expansive terrains of Canada, extending down into the northwestern regions of Mexico. In these varied habitats, Castilleja miniata thrives in alpine meadows, along riverbanks, and in open forested areas where it can receive ample sunlight.

Adaptability is another key characteristic of this species. It exhibits hemiparasitic behavior, meaning it partially relies on extracting water and nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants through specialized structures called haustoria. This unique adaptation allows it to flourish even in nutrient-poor soils, contributing to its extensive presence across different ecosystems.

The Scarlet paintbrush is not just an aesthetic addition to its natural surroundings; it plays a significant role in the ecological balance. It provides nectar and pollen to a host of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thus supporting local biodiversity. Moreover, its presence can be an indicator of a healthy ecosystem, as it often grows in regions that maintain good environmental conditions.

Cultivating Castilleja miniata can be challenging due to its hemiparasitic nature, requiring the presence of host plants for optimal growth. Nevertheless, it remains a prized plant for native gardens and restoration projects aiming to emulate natural habitats and promote ecological resilience.

In summary, the Scarlet paintbrush is a remarkable plant, celebrated for its striking appearance and ecological significance. Its vibrant scarlet bracts, adaptability, and extensive range from Alaska to northwestern Mexico underscore its importance and make it a fascinating subject of study for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

En: Scarlet paintbrush, Giant red Indian paintbrush, Great Red Indian-Paintbrush, SCARLET INDIAN PAINTBRUSH, Great red Indian paintbrush, Great red paintbrush, Giant red paintbrush
Fi: Tulikastilja
Fr: Castilléjie rougeâtre
Sv: Mönjeröd indianpensel

Synonyms

• Castilleja pallida var. miniata ((Douglas ex Hook.) A.Gray)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 10, 2019 by Callie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Anton Luru (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by ellaroo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Jesse Ward-Bond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2021 by Kery Kat (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 12, 2015 by EOL − paloma (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 28, 2015 by EOL − penelopetowle (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 28, 2015 by EOL − penelopetowle (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 15, 2013 by EOL − Belinda Lo (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Ethan Greer (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 29, 2020 by Dimitriy Vladimirovich Mlokosevich (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Daniel Gonzales (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2015 by EOL − jimmariec68 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Britt Walker (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2021 by Roland Blahnik (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 5, 2011 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 28, 2002 by EOL − John Game (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 2, 2020 by Sarah Sarah p. (cc-by-sa)

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

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

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:801055-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8672564)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Castilleja miniata Douglas ex Hook.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170719)

Specifications

Growth