Castilleja occidentalis
(Western Indian Paintbrush)
Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7324
Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7310
Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7334
Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7485
Castilleja occidentalis, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 1490
Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 6760
Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 1190
Castilleja occidentalis & C. rhexiifolia, McCullough Gulch, Summit Co. 1083
| Scientific Name | Castilleja occidentalis | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CAOC4 |
| Common Name | Western Indian Paintbrush | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 33073 |
| Family | Orobanchaceae (Broomrape) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Subalpine to alpine (10000 to 14000 ft.); meadows and tundra. Plant: Erect semi-parasitic perennial to 8 inches tall, stems purplish and woody near base. Leaves: Linear, alternate, up to 3 inches long with three distinctive lengthwise veins; upper leaves may have two small lobes at the side, near the (pointed) tip. Inflorescence: Thin, inconspicuous green flower tubes surrounded by large, greenish-yellow bracts, which become purple from the base when mature; the bracts usually have two smaller lobes near the tip, and the larger center lobe has a rounded tip; flower tubes have a protruding lower lip and a larger upper lip; bracts, stem and leaves covered with long white hairs. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SW Colorado Wildflowers, and American Southwest. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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