Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands

Diné bikéyah Chi’l nooséłígíí Bąąhą́ą́nosin
Take care of our Navajo Rangelands

Indian paintbrush
Dahiitįį́hídą́ą́’tsoh
(a.k.a. Pepperweed, perennial pepperweed, whitetop, mesa pepperwort)

Specimen displaying bright red bracts
Patrick Alexander

Indian paintbrush, is admired for its aesthetic value, due to its showy bracts. It grows 9 to 18 inches tall.

Palatability of Indian paintbrush has been rated as fair to good for sheep, poor to fair for cattle, and poor for horses.

Indian paintbrush is widespread, occurring from the desert floors to the subalpine meadows. Some species are known to be partial root parasites, especially with sagebrush. It reproduces by seed and tillering.

Deep crimson, slightly fuzzy bracts with tiny yellow flowers nestled among them
Patrick Alexander
A field of Indian paintbrush displaying a variety of yellows and pinks
Patrick Alexander
In this specimen, the flowers are somewhat separated from one another so that it is easier to see how they attach to the stem
Patrick Alexander
Growth habit showing a number of stems with foliage and flowers
Patrick Alexander
Scientific Name
Castilleja spp.
Plant Type
Forb
Growing Season
Warm Season
Stem Placements
  • Alternate
  • Basal
Habitats
  • Brushlands
  • Grasslands
  • Wastelands
Flower Colors
  • Green
  • Yellow

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