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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; flowers 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, www.swcoloradowildflowers.com, and www.americansouthwest.net. |
BONAP Distribution Map![]() |
Colorado Status: Native |
Scientific Name | Castilleja sulphurea | 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. Leaves: Smooth alternate, lanceolate stem leaves tending to hug the stem, 3/4 to 2-1/3 inches long. Inflorescence: Thin, inconspicuous green flower tubes surrounded by large, pale yellow bracts; flowers have a protruding lower lip and a larger upper lip. Note: Often found with C. miniata and C. rhexifolia. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map N/A |
Colorado Status: Native |
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