Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush
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
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.
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.
Does Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.