prairie wildflower

Texas Paintbrush

Castilleja indivisa

Also known as Texas Indian Paintbrush, Entireleaf Indian Paintbrush, Indian Paintbrush, Scarlet Paintbrush

Native to Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas

Southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas and Louisiana

In the garden

A prairie wildflower for full sun and lean, dry soil. At up to 18 in, it suits meadows and sunny borders.

Light

Full sun Partial shade Full shade

Moisture

Dry Moist Wet

Butterflies Black Swallowtail also Common Buckeye, Pipevine Swallowtail, Cloudless Sulphur
Bees American Bumble Bee
Moths White-lined Sphinx

Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.

Habitat: PrairieThe wild plant community it grows in.
Native range: Louisiana, Oklahoma, and TexasUnited States (3): LA, OK, TX. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
Native distribution: Southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas and LouisianaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.

Light: Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
Moisture: DryThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
Soil: Sandy soils. Sandy Loam, Sandy, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, ClayThe soils it grows in naturally.
Water use: MediumHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.

Height: up to 18 in (to 46 cm)Typical mature height.
Life cycle: AnnualWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).