Wight's Paintbrush
Castilleja wightii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–16" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Wight's paintbrush is a low-growing native wildflower with colorful bracts that create striking red-orange flower displays. This compact perennial forms neat clumps and blooms reliably through summer months. It adds vibrant color to native plant gardens while maintaining a tidy, controlled appearance.
In an HOA neighborhood
Wight's Paintbrush is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- May be unfamiliar to traditionalist neighbors
- Requires established native plant context
Wildlife value
The bright tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and native bees during its long summer blooming period. Its compact size makes it an excellent pollinator plant for smaller garden spaces.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Wight's Paintbrush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.