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Summary

Scarlet paintbrush is one of the most widespread and visually striking paintbrushes in western North America, known for its tall stature and vivid scarlet bracts. Although its corollas are edible, this species frequently grows in montane soils that may contain selenium, making consumption minimal and cautious.

Physical Characteristics

Castilleja miniata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. pallida var. miniata (Douglas ex Hook.) A.Gray

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Uses & Rating: Edible corollas may contain sweet nectar. Best rating among the four species, but still low-to-moderate due to selenium risk [2-3]. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Corollas have pleasant sweetness; bracts are resinous and bitter. Corollas can be used fresh as garnish. Nectar is best extracted by immersing corollas in water and reducing into a sweet infusion [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology):Blooms June–August (earlier at low elevations, later at high). Harvest during open bloom.

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

Ornamental - In gardens, thrives when paired with compatible hosts (e.g., penstemon, grasses, asters). Ecology & Wildlife: Highly attractive to hummingbirds, especially due to bright scarlet bracts. Also visited by bumblebees and long-tongued bees.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Growing Conditions: Found in moist mountain meadows, forest edges, riparian areas, and subalpine slopes. USDA Zone 3–8. Habitat & Range: Widespread across western North America: Alaska to New Mexico, especially the Cascades, Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and coastal mountains. Size & Landscape Performance: Generally 30–80 cm tall, spreading 20–40 cm. In gardens, thrives when paired with compatible hosts (e.g., penstemon, grasses, asters). Cultivation (Horticulture): More easily grown than many paintbrushes but still host-dependent. Requires well-drained soils with consistent moisture. Identification & Habit: A perennial herb 30–80 cm tall, with broad, lanceolate leaves that may be slightly lobed and a dense spike of bright red to orange-red bracts. Stems are upright and often numerous. Flowers bloom from early to mid-summer.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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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

Seed propagation with cold stratification. Germinates best in contact with roots of host plants.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Scarlet Paintbrush, Giant Red Paintbrush, Giant Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata)

Native Range

US. USA. Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Manitoba, Mexico Northwest, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Ontario, Oregon, Saskatchewan, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Yukon

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.

Moderate only in native meadows; not an invasive species.

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 lineata	Marsh-Meadow Paintbrush	Perennial	0.6	3-7	M	LMH	N	MWeWa	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 miniata - Douglas ex Benth.