Water
Water moderately when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, especially during dormancy. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering significantly in late fall and winter when the plant is less active.
Also known as Golden Paintbrush
Golden Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta) is a rare, hemiparasitic perennial wildflower native to the Pacific Northwest, admired for its bright golden-yellow bracts
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure excellent drainage.
Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures. Protect from extreme heat and frost.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization; prefers lean soil conditions.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, especially during dormancy. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering significantly in late fall and winter when the plant is less active.
Prune lightly after flowering to remove spent flower stalks and encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning. Deadheading can prevent self-seeding if this is not desired.
Minimal pruning is generally best for this species.
Propagate by seed sown in early spring, often requiring stratification. Successful establishment can be challenging due to its hemiparasitic nature. Cuttings are generally difficult and not a common propagation method.
Repot young plants only when root-bound, ideally in early spring before active growth begins. Use a well-draining, lean soil mix.
Avoid disturbing the roots excessively, as this species can be sensitive to transplant shock.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Golden Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta)
Where Golden Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Castilleja |
| Species | Castilleja levisecta |
Similar in genus Castilleja
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data