How much sun does Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush need?

Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush bloom?

Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush native?

Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja arachnoidea) is native to CA, NV, OR, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush attract?

Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Is Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush HOA-friendly?

Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Castilleja arachnoidea

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, NV, OR

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range

Cobwebby Indian paintbrush is a compact native wildflower with distinctive fuzzy, web-like hairs on its stems and leaves. It produces vibrant red-orange bracts that look like paintbrush tips during summer months. This drought-tolerant perennial stays small and forms neat clumps in sunny, well-drained locations.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Distinctly wild appearance typical of native wildflowers
May go dormant and disappear in winter
Unfamiliar to most HOA boards as ornamental plant

Wildlife value

The bright blooms attract hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies throughout the summer flowering period. This native paintbrush provides important nectar sources for pollinators during hot, dry months when other flowers may be stressed.

Common questions

How much sun does Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush need?: Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush bloom?: Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush native?: Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja arachnoidea) is native to CA, NV, OR, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush attract?: Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
Is Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush HOA-friendly?: Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz