Castilleja occidentalis
(Western Indian Paintbrush)
Castilleja occidentalis, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 05060
Castilleja occidentalis, Black Powder Pass, Summit Co. 05068
Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7324
Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 6760
Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7310
Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7485
Castilleja occidentalis, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 1490
Castilleja occidentalis, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7364
| 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: Alternate, linear or narrowly to broadly lanceolate, 3/8 to 1-1/8 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. Note: This species and C. sulphurea are almost identical with the main differences being height (C. sulphurea is taller) and life zone (C. sulphurea is not present above 11,500 ft.); also, the leaves of C. occidentalis tend to be shorter. References: “”Manual of Montana Vascular Plants” by Peter Lesica, "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SW Colorado Wildflowers, American Southwest and Flora of North America. |
BONAP Distribution Map 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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