Species Alaska Indian Paintbrush
yellow-lime flowers with burgundy leaves and stems

Alaska Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja unalaschcensis

Alaska Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja unalaschcensis) is a perennial wildflower found in Alaska and western Canada. The plant grows to a height of 2-3 feet and is characterized by its dark green leaves and bright red bracts in mid-spring. Alaska Indian Paintbrush is a hemicryptophyte, meaning it grows from a perennial caudex or stem, which allows it to survive cold Alaskan winters. This plant is symbiotic with nitrogen fixing bacteria, allowing it to thrive in poor soils. It is a favorite of pollinators such as honeybees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds. The vibrant blooms make it a popular choice for flower beds and wildflower gardens.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Downy Paintbrush (Castilleja sessiliflora) should be watered deeply once or twice per week in the summer months. During the winter months, watering should be reduced to once a month. Watering should be done at the base of the plant, making sure not to get the leaves or flowers wet. If the soil is dry, the plant should be watered until the soil is moist. If the soil is still wet, the plant does not need to be watered.

sunlight

Downy Paintbrush (Castilleja sessiliflora) is an herbaceous perennial plant that thrives in full sun. It prefers 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight each day, with partial shade in the middle of the day when the sun is the strongest. The ideal temperature for Downy Paintbrush is between 60-80°F. When temperatures exceed 85°F for an extended period of time, the plant may suffer. It also prefers moist, well-drained soil. The plant can tolerate drought, but for ideal growth, regular watering is required.

pruning

Downy Paintbrush (Castilleja sessiliflora) should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done quickly and only done if the plant is becoming overgrown or the plants are showing signs of disease. For Downy Paintbrush, it is best to prune it back by about 1/3 of its overall size. When pruning, make sure to avoid cutting too close to the base of the plant since the plant won't return to its overall size after significant pruning. Additionally, make sure to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.