How much sun does Scarlet Paintbrush need?

Scarlet Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Scarlet Paintbrush bloom?

Scarlet Paintbrush blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Scarlet Paintbrush native?

Scarlet Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Scarlet Paintbrush attract?

Scarlet Paintbrush draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Is Scarlet Paintbrush HOA-friendly?

Scarlet Paintbrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Scarlet Paintbrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Castilleja miniata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Scarlet Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) 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

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states

Pollinators

hummingbirds, bees, butterflies

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 445 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

Coast Range Puget Lowland Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains

Scarlet paintbrush produces vibrant red-orange flower spikes that bloom throughout summer, creating stunning color displays. This compact wildflower grows in neat clumps and thrives in full sun with moderate watering needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Scarlet Paintbrush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Wildflower appearance may be deemed too informal
Semi-parasitic nature can make establishment unpredictable
May self-seed and spread naturally

Wildlife value

Attracts hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies with its bright tubular flowers. The extended bloom period from June through August provides consistent nectar sources during peak pollinator season.

Common questions

How much sun does Scarlet Paintbrush need?: Scarlet Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Scarlet Paintbrush bloom?: Scarlet Paintbrush blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Scarlet Paintbrush native?: Scarlet Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Scarlet Paintbrush attract?: Scarlet Paintbrush draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
Is Scarlet Paintbrush HOA-friendly?: Scarlet 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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