Castilleja nana

Common Names

Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush, Dwarf Alpine Paintbrush

Summary

The dwarf alpine Indian paintbrush is native to the southwestern United States, specifically California, Nevada, and Utah, where it grows as a small perennial herb in dry alpine barrens at elevations of 2400–4200 m. It reaches 5–25 cm in height with green or purple, spreading-hairy, nonglandular leaves 10–35 mm long that are lance-linear with 0–5 lobes. The 3–13 cm inflorescence carries yellow-green or purple bracts 15–30 mm long; the flowers are 15–20 mm with a 12–20 mm calyx, pale yellow and blotched with purple; the stigma is exserted and the fruit is 8–12 mm with seeds 1–1.5 mm.

Cultivation notes indicate a preference for low moisture, full sun, and protection from winter dampness, in poor, well-drained soil. Natural habitat is dry, rocky alpine environments at high elevations, with flowering in July–August. Ecological interaction includes consumption by Euphydryas editha, reflecting its role in native insect–plant relationships.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-10 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Dry, rocky soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Bloom Color

Yellow (often with purple spots)

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green to purple

Fall Foliage Color

Green, purple, light yellow

Growth Rate

Not specified

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings