Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja indivisa
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa) 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
medium
Size
6"–18" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, FL, LA and 2 more states
Pollinators
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
Indian Paintbrush is Texas's state wildflower, producing vibrant red-orange flower spikes from spring through summer. This compact annual grows 6-18 inches tall and adds brilliant color to sunny areas with its distinctive brush-like blooms.
In an HOA neighborhood
Indian Paintbrush is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Requires seasonal replanting
- May have messy dieback
Wildlife value
Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds with its bright tubular flowers and extended bloom period from March through August.
Common questions
- How much sun does Indian Paintbrush need?
- Indian Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Indian Paintbrush bloom?
- Indian Paintbrush blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Indian Paintbrush native?
- Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa) is native to AL, AR, FL, LA and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Indian Paintbrush attract?
- Indian Paintbrush draws butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Is Indian Paintbrush HOA-friendly?
- Indian Paintbrush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 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
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz