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Indian
Paintbrush
Common
Name(s):
Indian paintbrush
Scientific
Name:
Castilleja
sp. Mutis ex L.f.
Scientific
Name Synonyms:
None known
Symbol:
CASTI2
Description:
Life
Span: Perennial
Origin:
Native
Season: Cool
Growth Characteristics:
A
9 to 18 inches tall forb. Reproduces by seed and tillering.
Flowers/Inflorescence:
Flowers
are inconspicuous, surrounded by leafy, colorful bracts. The showy
effect of this plant is produced by these bracts, which occur in
a variety of colors (pale yellow to deep purple).
Fruits/Seeds:
Fruit is a capsule.
Leaves: Linear
or lance-shaped, alternating along the erect stem. Margins entire
or lobed.
Ecological
Adaptations:
Indian
paintbrush is widespread throughout Utah, occurring from the desert
floors to the subalpine meadows. Some species are known to be partial
root-parasites, especially with sagebrush.
Soils: Can
occur in a variety of soils, but most abundant in loams.
Associated Species:
Sagebrush,
aspen, bromes, lupine.
Uses and
Management:
Indian
paintbrush's main importance is its aesthetic value. Palatability
of Indian paintbrush has been rated as fair to good for sheep, poor
to fair for cattle, and poor for horses.
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