What a beauty!
Castilleja rhexifolia, commonly known as Splitleaf Indian Paintbrush or Rosy Indian Paintbrush, is a native perennial wildflower native to high elevations in the western United States and Canada. From the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada, it thrives in elevations between 6,000 and 12,000 feet.
It is part of the Orobanchaceae family and is well-adapted to alpine and subalpine meadows, often growing in moist soils along streams or in open grassy areas. It can tolerate harsh mountain climates, including cool summers and cold winters. It is often found in national parks.
The plant is known for its vibrant pink to rosy-red bracts that surround the actual flowers, which are small and less showy. These colorful bracts put on a striking display that help attract native bumblebees and hummingbirds, that pollinate the plant.
The leaves are uniquely divided or "split" into lobes, giving rise to its name "splitleaf."
Like other Castilleja species, it is a hemi-parasite, meaning it derives some of its nutrients by attaching its roots to other plants. This parasitic relationship helps it thrive in nutrient-poor soils. It is best to plant them with host plants.
Unlike some other species, Indian Paintbrush does not harm the host plants.
This nature does not seem to harm their hosts as they do not overtake the other plants, they just use water or nutrients from other plants, if needed.
For best results and to mimic their natural environment, please see below for some examples of good host plants:
Penstemon (2 species included in the Colorado Native Wildflower Box)
Little Bluestem
Sunflowers
Clovers and even other Paintbrush species that will "borrow" nutrients from each other.
The seeds require 30-45 days of cold to break dormancy.This can be achieved in two ways. Either by planting the seeds in fall/winter for a spring emergence or folding the seeds into a moist paper towel, sealing them into a Ziplock bag and placing them in a refrigerator for 30-45 days, then sow as normal.
Grows 18-20 inches tall
Perennial zones 3-7
This is for 500 seeds.
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SKU: CJ025C
$3.99Price
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