Paintbrush, Narrow leaf

There are over 200 species in this genius and my favorite quote about identifying the plant is: "Despite being maniacally difficult to tell some of the species apart, Indian paintbrush is one of my personal favorite wildflowers" - I'd have to agree.

All paintbrush plants are partially parasitic using their roots to suck the life from a host plant. In geek speak they call it root hemiparasite.

The distinguishing characteristic of C. linariifolia is the lance shaped narrow leaves. C. chromosa closely resembles C. linariifolia, but it’s leaves are lobed and sometimes have more of a reddish-purple color.

Details
  • Alternate Names: Narrow leaf paintbrush, Wyoming Paintbrush, Narrow leaved paintbrush, Indian Paintbrush
  • Family: Scrophulariaceae
  • Scientific Name: Castilleja linariifolia
  • Duration: Perennial
  • Native: Yes
  • USDA Symbol: CALI4
Leaf Shape
This is a Utah wildflower is a Linear  leaf shape
Leaf Arrangement
This is a utah wildflower with Alternate leaf arrangement
Leaf Attachment
This is a Utah wildflower with a Simple Sessile leaf attachment
Inflorescence
This is a Utah wildflower with a Spike type inflorescence
Flowering Season
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
 
Place: Pinebrook Trails, UT
Date: 2011-07-10
Notes: