Exserted Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja exserta subsp. exserta
Care
full sun
very low
Fast, Medium, Slow; Tolerant of sand and clay, prefers fast-draining soil.
2–2ft tall , 1–1ft wide
Mar-May
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Coastal grassland and scrub from Sonoma County south to Kern County, primarily below 2000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Exserted Indian Paintbrush in full sun with fast-draining soil; it tolerates sand and clay but prefers good drainage. The critical step: plant it alongside a native perennial grass or other host plant from its natural community, since this species derives nutrients directly from neighboring plant roots and won't thrive alone. Plant in fall or early spring to establish before summer arrives.
After Planting
This is a low-maintenance annual once established - it needs no summer water and is very drought-tolerant. The #1 mistake is planting it without a companion host plant; without one, it will struggle or fail entirely. Your plant will flower March through May and won't require pruning or fussing; just let it grow naturally in its meadow-like setting.
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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Federally endangered since 1967; restricted to serpentine grasslands in Bay Area
Some subspecies federally protected; species has state endangered designation
California state threatened species
California Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Insects
critical larval food plant for caterpillars in spring emergence
primary host plant for larval development
early spring nectar source for emerging adults
early season nectar source for queen establishment
host plant for spring broods
pollen and nectar source for diverse bee species
primary spring foraging resource
larval food plant
+5 more species
Birds
early spring nectar source for migrating hummingbirds