How much sun does Wavy-leaf Paintbrush need?

Wavy-leaf Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Wavy-leaf Paintbrush bloom?

Wavy-leaf Paintbrush blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Wavy-leaf Paintbrush native?

Wavy-leaf Paintbrush (Castilleja applegatei) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Wavy-leaf Paintbrush toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Wavy-leaf Paintbrush as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Wavy-leaf Paintbrush attract?

Wavy-leaf Paintbrush draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Is Wavy-leaf Paintbrush HOA-friendly?

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

Wavy-leaf Paintbrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Castilleja applegatei

Last reviewed: August 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Wavy-leaf Paintbrush as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–20" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees, 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Wavy-leaf paintbrush is a compact native wildflower that produces distinctive red-orange bracts from late spring through summer. This drought-tolerant perennial stays relatively small and works well in xeriscaped gardens or natural areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wavy-leaf 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.

Appears weedy and informal to most HOAs
Unknown dormancy appearance creates uncertainty
May be viewed as unmaintained wildflower

Wildlife value

The colorful bracts attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout its long blooming season. This native plant provides important nectar sources for pollinators during summer months.

Common questions

How much sun does Wavy-leaf Paintbrush need?: Wavy-leaf Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Wavy-leaf Paintbrush bloom?: Wavy-leaf Paintbrush blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Wavy-leaf Paintbrush native?: Wavy-leaf Paintbrush (Castilleja applegatei) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Wavy-leaf Paintbrush toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Wavy-leaf Paintbrush as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Wavy-leaf Paintbrush attract?: Wavy-leaf Paintbrush draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Is Wavy-leaf Paintbrush HOA-friendly?: Wavy-leaf 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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