How much sun does Woolly indian paintbrush need?

Woolly indian paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Woolly indian paintbrush bloom?

Woolly indian paintbrush blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Woolly indian paintbrush native?

Woolly indian paintbrush (Castilleja foliolosa) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Woolly indian paintbrush host?

Woolly indian paintbrush is a larval host plant for Edith's checkerspot.

Woolly indian paintbrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Castilleja foliolosa

Last reviewed: October 2026

Woolly indian paintbrush (Castilleja foliolosa) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw hummingbirds.

Toxicity unknown

Woolly indian paintbrush (Castilleja foliolosa) 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

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

Pollinators

hummingbirds

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Woolly gray-leaved perennial topped with bright red bract clusters in spring. Semi-parasitic on the roots of neighboring plants, found on dry slopes and open scrub.

Growing Woolly indian paintbrush

Grow Woolly indian paintbrush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for Edith's checkerspot.

Red bracts are a strong hummingbird attractant; also serves as a larval host for checkerspot butterflies.

Common questions

How much sun does Woolly indian paintbrush need?: Woolly indian paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Woolly indian paintbrush bloom?: Woolly indian paintbrush blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Woolly indian paintbrush native?: Woolly indian paintbrush (Castilleja foliolosa) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Woolly indian paintbrush host?: Woolly indian paintbrush is a larval host plant for Edith's checkerspot.

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.

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