How much sun does Prairie Paintbrush need?

Prairie Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Prairie Paintbrush bloom?

Prairie Paintbrush blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Prairie Paintbrush native?

Prairie Paintbrush (Castilleja purpurea) is native to KS, MO, OK, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Prairie Paintbrush attract?

Prairie Paintbrush draws bees and hummingbirds.

Is Prairie Paintbrush HOA-friendly?

Prairie Paintbrush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Prairie Paintbrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Castilleja purpurea

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–18" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

KS, MO, OK, TX

Pollinators

bees, 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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

Prairie Paintbrush is a compact wildflower that produces vibrant red-purple flower bracts in spring. This low-growing native perennial forms small clumps and goes dormant in summer heat, returning each spring with colorful blooms.

In an HOA neighborhood

Prairie Paintbrush is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and native bees during the spring blooming period. This plant serves as an important early-season nectar source when few other wildflowers are in bloom.

Common questions

How much sun does Prairie Paintbrush need?: Prairie Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Prairie Paintbrush bloom?: Prairie Paintbrush blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Prairie Paintbrush native?: Prairie Paintbrush (Castilleja purpurea) is native to KS, MO, OK, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Prairie Paintbrush attract?: Prairie Paintbrush draws bees and hummingbirds.
Is Prairie Paintbrush HOA-friendly?: Prairie Paintbrush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low 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 Prairie Paintbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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