Harsh Paintbrush
Castilleja hispida
Last reviewed: August 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Harsh Paintbrush as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
ID, MT, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Before you buy
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Harsh Indian paintbrush is a compact wildflower with distinctive bright red-orange bracts that create showy displays from late spring through summer. This drought-tolerant native forms neat clumps and thrives in sunny locations with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Harsh 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.
- Strongly associated with wild prairie appearance
- May be viewed as too informal for maintained landscapes
- Can spread unpredictably through root connections
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. This plant is particularly valuable for supporting native pollinators in dry garden areas.
Common questions
- How much sun does Harsh Paintbrush need?
- Harsh Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Harsh Paintbrush bloom?
- Harsh Paintbrush blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Harsh Paintbrush native?
- Harsh Paintbrush (Castilleja hispida) is native to ID, MT, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Harsh Paintbrush toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Harsh Paintbrush as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Harsh Paintbrush attract?
- Harsh Paintbrush draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Is Harsh Paintbrush HOA-friendly?
- Harsh 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 Harsh Paintbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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