Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja arachnoidea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Cobwebby Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja arachnoidea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.
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