Castilleja flava var. flava (Yellow Paintbrush)

(Orobanchaceae)

Yellow Paintbrush is a beautiful perennial wildflower that is at home in the sage sea.

Hardy to wind and frigid temps as well as heat and drought. Plant it with some sagebrush and native grasses to watch it really take off. Paintbrushes are hemiparasitic and thrive when planted with other native species; grass and sagebrush are what we see them associated with most often. 

Begins to bloom in May and June and can continue to through September at higher elevations or with mid-day shade and a little extra water. In order, Castilleja chromosa blooms first in April, then C. flava in May and June, then C. linariifolia blooming from mid-summer into November. These three species are found together often.

These are an excellent choice for xeriscapes, pollinator gardens, rock/crevice gardens, native yards and mass plantings.

Contains appx. 100 seeds

Collected In: Summit County, Utah

Wild/Nursery: Wild

Seasonality: May-September

Germination: 30-60 day cold-moist(32-36°) stratification in a single paper towel or sow outside in the Fall or early Winter. Soil blocks work well too. Rub the coating off the seeds before stratification. Paintbrush do not need a host plant while germinating or establishing in a tray or small pot, just planting it next to a host plant when its ready is perfect.