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Summary

A unique low-growing paintbrush of the Great Plains and Southwest, Castilleja sessiliflora is recognizable by its pale bracts—often yellowish, pinkish, or greenish—and delicate, downy foliage. As with all Castilleja, only the corollas are considered edible, and only with caution due to mineral uptake.

Physical Characteristics

Castilleja sessiliflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The flowers are pollinated by Hummingbirds, bees, Insects.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Bartsia grandiflora Spreng. C. grandiflora (Nutt.) Spreng. C. sessiliflora subsp. betheli Cockerell, C. sessiliflora f. purpurina Pennell. Euchroma grandiflora Nutt.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Uses & Rating: Edible uses are confined to corollas, which may contain mild sweetness. The plant’s low stature produces small quantities of flowers, making it unsuitable for significant harvest [2-3]. Overall edible rating: Very Low. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Corollas are mildly sweet but less flavorful than other species. Bracts taste resinous or bland and are not worthwhile. Nectar infusion is possible but low yield. Seasonality (Phenology): Blooms April–July, depending on latitude and moisture availability [2-3].

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

A charming low-growing Great Plains wildflower with minimal edible application and moderate ecological importance. Ecological restorations. Ecology & Wildlife: Pollinated by bees, hawk moths, and occasionally hummingbirds, though less attractive to them than red-bracted species. Provides nectar to insects of open plains.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Growing Conditions: Prefers dry prairies, sandy plains, shortgrass steppe, and rocky hillsides. Requires a host plant for vigor. USDA Zone 3–8. Habitat & Range: Widespread across the Great Plains, extending into Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Size & Landscape Performance: Grows 10–40 cm tall, spreading slowly to 20–30 cm. Forms loose mats or short clusters. Cultivation (Horticulture): Difficult to cultivate except in ecological restorations with native grasses (e.g., blue grama, needle-and-thread). Soil must be lean and well-drained. Pests & Problems: Drought tolerant but declines under competition. Susceptible to root rot if over-watered. Identification & Habit: A perennial herb 10–40 cm tall, often sprawling rather than upright. Leaves are narrow, linear, and may be covered in fine hairs. Bracts are subdued in color compared to western red paintbrushes. Flowers occur in dense spikes; corollas are elongated and pale green.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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

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Plant Propagation

Seed with cold stratification. Must establish near host roots.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Great Plains Indian Paintbrush, Downy Paintedcup, Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja sessiliflora)

Native Range

US. USA. Alberta, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Manitoba, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming

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.

None. Species is fragile and easily outcompeted.

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 miniata	Giant Red Paintbrush	Perennial	0.8	3-8	M	LMH	N	M	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 sessiliflora - Pursh