Wight's Paintbrush
Castilleja wightii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Castilleja wightii (Wight's Paintbrush) is a native wildflower found in California and Oregon that blooms from June through August with bright red bracts that attract hummingbirds and bees.
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.
Growing Wight's Paintbrush
Grow Wight's Paintbrush in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 16 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Wight's Paintbrush bloom?
- Castilleja wightii typically blooms from June through August, producing its characteristic bright red bracts during the summer months.
- What pollinators visit Wight's Paintbrush?
- This native paintbrush attracts both hummingbirds and bees. The tubular flowers and bright red color are particularly appealing to hummingbirds.
- Where is Castilleja wightii native?
- Wight's Paintbrush is native to California and Oregon, where it grows in various habitats including meadows and open woodlands.
- Is Wight's Paintbrush HOA-friendly?
- Wight's Paintbrush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Wight's Paintbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz