Desert Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja chromosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Toxicity unknown
Desert Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa) 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
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
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.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Desert Indian paintbrush produces vibrant orange-red tubular flowers that create stunning color displays from late spring through summer. This compact native perennial forms small clumps with narrow leaves and distinctive brightly colored bracts that surround the actual flowers. It thrives in full sun and dry conditions, making it excellent for water-wise gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Desert 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.
- Can appear weedy or unkempt to unfamiliar eyes
- May go dormant and look sparse outside bloom season
- Wild appearance doesn't match typical suburban landscaping expectations
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are especially attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, while bees also visit for nectar. This plant serves as an important native nectar source during the peak growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Desert Indian Paintbrush need?
- Desert Indian Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Desert Indian Paintbrush bloom?
- Desert Indian Paintbrush blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Desert Indian Paintbrush native?
- Desert Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Desert Indian Paintbrush attract?
- Desert Indian Paintbrush draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Is Desert Indian Paintbrush HOA-friendly?
- Desert 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 Desert Indian Paintbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz