Wavyleaf Paintbrush
Castilleja applegatei · Orobanchaceae
- Form
- Perennial
- Height
- 6–24 in
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Low
- Blooms
- Jun, Jul, Aug
- Habitat
- Montane · Sagebrush Scrub
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Dry Montane and upper Sagebrush Scrub openings
- Form / size: Upright hemiparasitic perennial, 6–24 in
- Sun: Full sun · Water: Low
- Blooms: Summer yellowish paintbrush heads
Description
A subtler paintbrush than the red species, with wavy leaves and pale yellow to cream-toned bracts. It is an east-side species for people who start noticing the quieter paintbrushes after they learn the loud red ones.
Wildlife & pollinators
Visited by bees and contributes to mountain meadow and sage-edge diversity.
Habitat & range
Open dry mountain meadows, sage edges, and rocky east-side slopes in the Sierra and Great Basin transition.
In the garden
Difficult in cultivation for the usual paintbrush reason: it benefits from compatible host plants and undisturbed dry native conditions.
Propagation
From seed with host plants nearby.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed across California (map)
- Upper east-side slopes and open mountain country of the Eastern Sierra.
