Castilleja indivisa (Texas Indian Paintbrush)

Castilleja indivisa (Texas Indian Paintbrush) is a showy annual or biennial boasting bright-red, paintbrush-like spikes, 3-8 in. long (7-20 cm), atop clumps of unbranched, erect stems. Blooming in spring, the tiny, inconspicuous, creamy white to pale yellow flowers are surrounded by a cluster of petal-like bracts, that give the plant its magnificent appearance. Indian paintbrush is an important nectar source for hummingbirds and insects, including butterflies, bees, and others. The blossoms give way to very small black or gray seeds, about 4 million seeds per pound, which will enable the plant to provide an abundant floral display the following year. Indian paintbrush is considered hemiparasitic, as it can pull needed moisture and nutrients from the root systems of other host plants located nearby. Spectacular when planted in mass and combined with Texas Bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis).

• Grows up to 6-16 in. tall (15-40 cm) and 6 in. wide (15 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in acidic, dry, sandy, loam or clay, well-drained soils. Although it tends to grow best in full sunlight, the plant does have some shade tolerance.
• Low maintenance, disease and pest free, this plant is also drought tolerant.
• An excellent choice for informal gardens, prairies and meadows.
• Propagate by seed in the fall. The plants need to overwinter to bloom. While good seed-to-soil contact is needed at the surface, it is important that seed not be buried when planted. Transplanting paintbrush may kill it.
• After flowering ceases, allow seeds to mature before mowing for reseeding or collecting to plant in a new area.
• Native to Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas.