Scarlet Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja coccinea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Castilleja coccinea is a vibrant red wildflower native to eastern and central North America, blooming from May through July in prairies and open areas.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Scarlet Indian Paintbrush as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Scarlet Indian paintbrush produces distinctive bright red-orange flower bracts that create stunning color displays from May through July. This compact native wildflower grows in neat clumps and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations with minimal water needs.
Growing Scarlet Indian Paintbrush
Grow Scarlet Indian Paintbrush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Scarlet Indian 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.
- Appearance too wild/weedy for most HOA standards
- May be unfamiliar to traditional gardeners
- Can look sparse when not blooming
Wildlife value
The vibrant blooms attract hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies throughout the growing season. This plant serves as an important nectar source during peak summer months.
Common questions
- Where does Scarlet Indian Paintbrush grow naturally?
- Castilleja coccinea is native to 38 states across eastern and central North America, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas and Minnesota.
- When does Scarlet Indian Paintbrush bloom?
- This wildflower blooms from May through July, producing its characteristic bright red bracts during late spring and early summer.
- What pollinators visit Scarlet Indian Paintbrush?
- The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The bright red color is particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
- What growing conditions does Castilleja coccinea prefer?
- Scarlet Indian Paintbrush thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it well-adapted to prairie and grassland conditions.
- Is Scarlet Indian Paintbrush toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Scarlet Indian Paintbrush as toxic to livestock.
- Is Scarlet Indian Paintbrush HOA-friendly?
- Scarlet Indian 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 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 Scarlet Indian Paintbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz