Castilleja miniata

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Castilleja miniata, commonly known as the giant red paintbrush or scarlet paintbrush, is a perennial wildflower in the broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). It grows in western North America, from Alaska and the Yukon down to California and New Mexico, and as far east as Ontario. It likes moist places and is often found in wet mountain meadows and along stream banks below about 3,400 meters (11,000 feet).

The plant stands about 12–80 cm tall, sometimes reaching 1 meter, with one or many branching stems. It may have a taproot or spread through rhizomes. Leaves are lance-shaped, 3–6 cm long, with fine hairs. The striking inflorescence features bright red to pale orange bracts, with yellow-green tubular flowers that have red edges emerging between the bracts. Blooms typically occur from May to September. Like many Castilleja species, it is partially parasitic and relies on nearby plants for nutrients, which makes transplanting difficult. Its conservation status is Secure.

Key facts:
- Scientific name: Castilleja miniata
- Common names: giant red paintbrush, scarlet paintbrush
- Native range: western North America (Alaska to Ontario to California to New Mexico)
- Habitat: moist areas, especially wet mountain meadows and stream banks
- Height: 12–80 cm (occasionally up to 1 m)
- Flowering: May–September
- Growth habit: perennial with taproot or rhizomes
- Parasitism: forms nutrient-sharing connections with neighboring plants
- Conservation status: Secure
- Name meaning: miniata means “scarlet” in botanical Latin