Castilleja sulphurea
(Sulphur Indian Paintbrush)
Castilleja sulphurea, FR679, Ophir Pass Road, San Juan Co. 8384
Castilleja sulphurea, FR679, Ophir Pass Road, San Juan Co. 8388
Castilleja sulphurea, CO 134, Gore Pass, Grand Co. 1193
Castilleja sulphurea, CO 134, Gore Pass, Grand Co. 1169
Castilleja sulphurea, FR679, Ophir Pass Road, San Juan Co. 8386
Castilleja sulphurea, CO 134, Gore Pass, Grand Co. 1190
Castilleja sulphurea and C. rhexifiifolia, McCullough Gulch, Summit Co. 1083
| Scientific Name | Castilleja sulphurea (Castilleja septentrionalis) | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CASU12 |
| Common Name | Sulphur Indian Paintbrush | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 33083 |
| Family | Orobanchaceae (Broomrape) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Subalpine to alpine (6400 to 11500 ft.); forests, streamsides and meadows. Plant: Erect semi-parasitic perennial with few to several stems 10 to 22 inches tall; may be branched above; and red to maroon. Leaves: Smooth alternate, lanceolate to almost linear stem leaves 3/4 to 2-1/3 inches long; tinged maroon, prominently veined. Inflorescence: Thin, inconspicuous green flower tubes surrounded by large, pale yellow bracts; flowers have a protruding lower lip and a larger upper lip. Note: This species and C. occidentalis are almost identical with the main differences being height (C. sulphurea is taller) and life zone (C. sulphurea is not present above 11500 ft.); also the leaves of C. sulphurea tend to be longer. Often found with C. rhexiifolia, as shown above. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SW Colorado Wildflowers, SEINet and Flora of North America. |
BONAP Distribution Map Castilleja septentrionalis Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2026
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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