Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja nana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja nana) 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
2"–6" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, NV, UT
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Dwarf alpine indian paintbrush is a tiny native wildflower that forms low mats just a few inches tall. It produces colorful bracts in summer that attract hummingbirds and bees. This alpine species is adapted to harsh mountain conditions and requires excellent drainage.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely small size makes it appear sparse in landscaping
- Wild alpine appearance doesn't match typical residential aesthetics
- May be difficult to establish and maintain at lower elevations
Wildlife value
The bright summer blooms attract bees and provide nectar for hummingbirds. This paintbrush species supports specialized pollinators in high-elevation ecosystems.
Common questions
- How much sun does Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush need?
- Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush bloom?
- Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush native?
- Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja nana) is native to CA, NV, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush attract?
- Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush HOA-friendly?
- Dwarf Alpine 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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Dwarf Alpine Indian Paintbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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