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Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja indivisa

Last reviewed: July 2026

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa)
Photo: (c) Sue Ann Kendall, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sue Ann Kendall

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–18" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, LA, OK, TX

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 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

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 AR, LA, OK, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Indian Paintbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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