Indian Paintbrush

About Indian Paintbrush

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) is a stunning prairie native that looks as if its foliage was dipped directly into a pot of vivid scarlet paint. This unique annual or biennial produces upright, hairy stems reaching up to two feet in height, crowned by showy, bright red bracts that almost entirely conceal the small, tube-like greenish flowers. Blooming primarily from May to July, it provides a brilliant splash of color to mesic and sandy prairies across the eastern and central United States and Canada. As a hemiparasitic species, its roots seek out and connect with host plants—typically native grasses like Little Bluestem or various sedges—to supplement its nutrition. This relationship makes it an ecologically fascinating addition to a restoration project. It is a vital nectar source for hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. For successful growth, sow seeds in full sun to partial shade with medium-moisture soil, ensuring they are planted alongside established native hosts. Cold stratification for 60 days is recommended for optimal germination.