The flowers of Indian paintbrush are edible, and were consumed in moderation by various Native American tribes as a condiment with other fresh greens. This hybridization potential has been identified as a threat to the genetic integrity of certain endangered Castilleja species. Some species in the Castilleja genus are able to hybridize, especially when ploidy levels match, and hybrids may produce viable seed. Seeds of putative Castilleja levisecta × Castilleja hispida hybrid

These sequestered compounds then confer chemical protection against predators to larvae. Additionally, the foliage of some Castilleja species naturally contains defensive compounds that are sequestered in the tissues of larvae of specialist insect species that have developed a tolerance for these compounds and are able to consume the foliage. For example, Castilleja hemiparasitic reliance on other plant species may affect competition and dominance among other plant species in its community. Ĭastilleja species can play an important role in plant community dynamics and multitrophic interactions. Pollinators aid these plants in reproduction, with insects visiting the flowers, as well as hummingbirds for some species. exserta), and checkerspot butterflies, such as Euphydryas species. exserta) and Schinia pulchripennis (which feeds exclusively on C. Ecology Ĭastilleja species are eaten by the larvae of some lepidopteran species, including Schinia cupes (which has been recorded on C.

The generic name honors Spanish botanist Domingo Castillejo. They are hemiparasitic on the roots of grasses and forbs. These plants are classified in the broomrape family Orobanchaceae (following major rearrangements of the order Lamiales starting around 2001 sources which do not follow these reclassifications may place them in the Scrophulariaceae).

For other uses, see Prairie Fire (disambiguation).Ĭastilleja, commonly known as paintbrush, Indian paintbrush, or prairie-fire, is a genus of about 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants native to the west of the Americas from Alaska south to the Andes, northern Asia, and one species as far west as the Kola Peninsula in northwestern Russia.

Indian paintbrush tattoo