Castilleja occidentalis

(Western Indian Paintbrush)

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Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7324

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Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7310

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Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7334

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Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7485

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Castilleja occidentalis, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 1490

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Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 6760

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Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 1190

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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
Click Here
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 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains