DOWNY PAINTBRUSH
Castilleja sessiliflora
BROOMRAPE FAMILY (Orobranchaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - May, June, July
- Rare in single remote NW prairie site
- Plants in small clumps or colonies
- Pale yellow tubular flowers on upper plant
- Upper leaves divided into 3 narrow lobes
This partially parasitic native perennial grows up to 15 inches tall, usually in clusters (E). The alternate lower leaves are narrow and undivided, but the outer portions of the upper leaves are split into 3 diverging lobes (A,F). Each stem has a spike of curved, tubular, two-lipped, pale yellow flowers up to 2 inches long (B). The tip of the shorter lower lip is divided into 3 narrow segments (B). Pale yellow calyx tips and pale green 3-lobed bracts accentuate an otherwise inconspicuous flower (C).
Found on dry prairie slopes and hillsides, flowering from May through July. It is rare at Neale Woods. A single population exists in a remote spot on a dry west facing hillside in one of the prairie restorations.
This, the only species of paintbrush present in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods, is not likely to be confused with any other plant. Look for the distinctive plant clumps with pale yellow flower clusters (E).
Downy Paintbrush is partially parasitic on the roots of plants including prairie grasses.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Neal Ratzlaff.