woodland wildflower
Wyoming Paintbrush
Castilleja linariifolia
Native to the Southwest, the Rockies, and the Pacific Coast
Southern Montana to central Oregon, south to northwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona and eastern California
- Light Partial shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom May–Oct Flowering time
- Height up to 6 ft to 1.8 m
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for partial shade. At up to 6 ft, it needs room in shade gardens and woodland edges.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
Pollinators & wildlife
- Butterflies Marine Blue
- Bees Frigid Leafcutter Bee
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Marine bluenectar
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- The Southwest, the Rockies, and the Pacific CoastUnited States (10): AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WY. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Southern Montana to central Oregon, south to northwestern New Mexico, northern Arizona and eastern CaliforniaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Partial shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Soil
- Moist, well-drained, rocky soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Soil texture
- Light to heavy (sandy to clay)The soil grade it prefers, from sand to clay.
- Soil pH
- Mildly acid to mildly alkalineThe acidity to alkalinity it tolerates (7 is neutral).
- Soil quality
- Low (tolerates poor soil)How rich a soil it needs. Many natives prefer lean soil and flop in rich beds.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 6 ft (to 1.8 m)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- May–OctWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- RedThe bloom color, or colors.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.