Red Paintbrush Seeds (Castilleja miniata)

One of the most interesting meadow species we sell, with a fascinating ecology. Also known as Indian paintbrush, this remarkable red or orange-flowered plant is the most common member of its genus in the West, where it occurs from Alaska to California along the coast and inland to the Rocky Mountains. Despite its widespread distribution the handsome perennial is not very abundant except in relatively pristine natural areas where its’ remarkable root system can remain undisturbed. In natural settings giant paintbrush occurs in damps soils and full to partial sun, such as moist meadows, forest clearings, spring seeps, and streambanks. While it isn’t actually “giant” as the name would suggest, it does grow to a little over two feet in height, with modest true flowers hidden within the bright scarlet leaf bracts. Based on appearances alone, it’s likely a hummingbird visited plant although we don’t actually see a huge amount of pollinator activity on it. And, while deer will take a bite out