How much sun does Wholeleaf indian paintbrush need?

Wholeleaf indian paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Wholeleaf indian paintbrush bloom?

Wholeleaf indian paintbrush blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Wholeleaf indian paintbrush native?

Wholeleaf indian paintbrush (Castilleja integra) is native to AZ, CO, NM, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Wholeleaf indian paintbrush attract?

Wholeleaf indian paintbrush draws hummingbirds.

Wholeleaf indian paintbrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Castilleja integra

Last reviewed: September 2026

Wholeleaf indian paintbrush (Castilleja integra) is a perennial forb native to AZ, CO, NM, TX. It blooms in May, June, July, August, and September. The flowers draw hummingbirds.

Toxicity unknown

Wholeleaf indian paintbrush (Castilleja integra) 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

8"–16" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CO, NM, TX

Pollinators

hummingbirds

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

An upright paintbrush with narrow gray-green leaves and brilliant red-orange bracts surrounding small tubular flowers. Like other paintbrushes it is hemiparasitic, tapping into the roots of neighboring grasses and shrubs for part of its nutrition, so it establishes best alongside companion plants rather than alone.

Growing Wholeleaf indian paintbrush

Grow Wholeleaf indian paintbrush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 16 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The bright tubular blooms are a strong hummingbird draw through much of the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Wholeleaf indian paintbrush need?: Wholeleaf indian paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Wholeleaf indian paintbrush bloom?: Wholeleaf indian paintbrush blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Wholeleaf indian paintbrush native?: Wholeleaf indian paintbrush (Castilleja integra) is native to AZ, CO, NM, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Wholeleaf indian paintbrush attract?: Wholeleaf indian paintbrush draws hummingbirds.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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