Harsh Paintbrush
Castilleja hispida
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Harsh Paintbrush (Castilleja hispida) 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.
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
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 452 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
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.
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 Harsh 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
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz