Dense-flower Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja densiflora subsp. Densiflora
Care
0–1ft tall
Friendly
Prized
Coastal scrub and grassland of the San Francisco Bay Area from Marin County to Santa Cruz County, below 1500 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Dense-flower Indian Paintbrush in a location that mimics its native grassland and chaparral habitat. This species is a root-parasite, meaning it depends on nearby plants to thrive, so avoid planting it in isolation - include companion plants in your garden bed. Space plants according to their mature size of 10-40 centimeters tall.
After Planting
The most critical thing to know: this plant needs neighboring plants to survive since it's a root-parasite and cannot live on its own. Without host plants nearby, it will fail no matter how perfect your watering and sunlight are. Establish your paintbrush as part of a mixed planting rather than as a specimen plant, and monitor it during its first season to ensure the surrounding plants are healthy and well-established.
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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Some subspecies federally protected; species has state endangered designation
California Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Larval food plant for early spring broods
Early spring forager, critical for queen establishment
Spring and early summer nectar source
Host plant for larval development
Spring foraging resource
Adult nectar foraging in spring
Spring flower visitor
Host plant for larval development
+1 more species