Yellow Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja flava
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Yellow Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja flava) 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
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CO, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Yellow Indian paintbrush is a compact native wildflower that produces bright yellow-orange brush-like blooms from late spring through summer. This low-growing perennial forms small clumps and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Yellow Indian 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.
- Has wild, informal appearance typical of native wildflowers
- May be perceived as weedy by traditional landscaping standards
- Uncommon in typical residential settings
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are specially adapted for hummingbirds and also attract native bees. This plant provides important nectar during the summer months when many other wildflowers have finished blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Yellow Indian Paintbrush need?
- Yellow Indian Paintbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Yellow Indian Paintbrush bloom?
- Yellow Indian Paintbrush blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Yellow Indian Paintbrush native?
- Yellow Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja flava) is native to CO, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Yellow Indian Paintbrush attract?
- Yellow Indian Paintbrush draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Yellow Indian Paintbrush HOA-friendly?
- Yellow Indian 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.
Ready to grow Yellow Indian 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