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: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Wavy-leaf Paintbrush (Castilleja applegatei) 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.

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 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 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.

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

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