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Summary

Marsh-meadow paintbrush is a moisture-loving perennial paintbrush of mountain wetlands. Its showy bracts and tubular flowers resemble other Castilleja, but its association with riparian habitats sets it apart. Like all paintbrushes, the corollas are technically edible, but this species is even more cautionary due to the potential for selenium and aquatic pollutants.

Physical Characteristics

Castilleja lineata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The flowers are pollinated by Hummingbirds, bees, .
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

None

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Uses & Rating: Only corollas may be eaten, and only sparingly. Marsh or riparian soils may accumulate heavy metals or agricultural runoff, raising additional concerns. Edibility rating is very low. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Corollas are mildly sweet but usually not as pleasant as drier-habitat species. Bracts and calyces taste bitter or resinous and are not recommended. Seasonality (Phenology): Blooms June–August. Corollas are harvestable during peak flowering. Safety & Cautions (Food Use): Risk of selenium accumulation plus potential uptake of aquatic toxins. Do not consume from unknown habitats. Harvest & Processing Workflow: Same as other species: gently extract corollas. Avoid bracts and calyces. Traditional / Indigenous Use Summary: Very limited records exist; some groups occasionally tasted flowers for sweetness. Look-Alikes: Resembles C. miniata but grows in wetter sites and often has narrower inflorescences. Overall Plant Summary & Edibility: Beautiful wetland plant but unsuitable for foraging except theoretical corolla tasting. Edible rating: Very Low.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None Known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Ecology & Wildlife: Pollinated largely by hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. Wetland insects also visit flowers. Provides nectar but limited forage value due to chemical accumulation.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Growing Conditions: Prefers moist meadows, marsh edges, streamside seepages, and subalpine wet ground. Hardy to USDA Zone 3–7. Habitat & Range: Found primarily in the Rocky Mountains, including Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Grows at mid- to high-elevations where moisture persists. Size & Landscape Performance: Grows 30–60 cm tall with a 30 cm spread. Prefers cool climates. Cultivation (Horticulture): Very difficult to cultivate due to its hemiparasitic nature and preference for wet habitats. Requires a moisture-tolerant host such as sedges (Carex) or wet-meadow grasses. Pests & Problems: Flooding, competition with sedges, and fungal diseases are common. Drought quickly reduces vigor.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

From seed only; requires cold stratification and proximity to host roots.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Marsh Meadow Paintbrush (Castilleja lineata), Marsh Paintbrush

Native Range

US. USA. Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Not weedy; niche-dependent and slow-spreading.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not available

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Castilleja linariaefolia	Wyoming Indian Paintbrush	Perennial	0.6	4-8		LMH	SN	M	1	2	1
Castilleja miniata	Giant Red Paintbrush	Perennial	0.8	3-8	M	LMH	N	M	1	0	1
Castilleja sessiliflora	Downy Paintedcup	Perennial	0.3	3-8	M	LM	N	DM	1	0	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Castilleja lineata - Greene