How much sun does Thompson's Indian Paintbrush need?

Thompson's Indian Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Thompson's Indian Paintbrush bloom?

Thompson's Indian Paintbrush blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Thompson's Indian Paintbrush native?

Thompson's Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja thompsonii) is native to OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Thompson's Indian Paintbrush attract?

Thompson's Indian Paintbrush draws bees and hummingbirds.

Is Thompson's Indian Paintbrush HOA-friendly?

Thompson's Indian Paintbrush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Thompson's Indian Paintbrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Castilleja thompsonii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Thompson's Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja thompsonii) 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

low

Size

4"–16" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

OR, WA

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 452 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts

Thompson's Indian paintbrush is a compact native wildflower with distinctive red-orange bracts that create colorful displays from late spring through summer. This drought-tolerant perennial stays low and neat, making it suitable for rock gardens and xeriscaped areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Thompson's Indian Paintbrush is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

May appear wild or weedy to traditional gardeners
Unknown dormancy appearance could be concerning

Wildlife value

The bright blooms attract bees and serve as an important nectar source for hummingbirds throughout the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Thompson's Indian Paintbrush need?: Thompson's Indian Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Thompson's Indian Paintbrush bloom?: Thompson's Indian Paintbrush blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Thompson's Indian Paintbrush native?: Thompson's Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja thompsonii) is native to OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Thompson's Indian Paintbrush attract?: Thompson's Indian Paintbrush draws bees and hummingbirds.
Is Thompson's Indian Paintbrush HOA-friendly?: Thompson's Indian Paintbrush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz