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.

Indian Paintbrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Castilleja indivisa

Last reviewed: October 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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Indian Paintbrush.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests

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.

See all plant problem guides

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