''Castilleja'', commonly known as paintbrush, Indian paintbrush, or prairie-fire, is a

genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...

of about 200 species of

annual Annual may refer to: * Annual publication, periodical publications appearing regularly once per year **Yearbook ** Literary annual * Annual plant * Annual report * Annual giving * Annual, Morocco, a settlement in northeastern Morocco * Annuals (b ...

and

perennial A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives more than two years. The term ('' per-'' + '' -ennial'', "through the years") is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials. The term is also wide ...

herbaceous plant Herbaceous plants are vascular plants that have no persistent woody stems above ground. This broad category of plants includes many perennials, and nearly all annuals and biennials. Definitions of "herb" and "herbaceous" The fourth edition of t ...

s native to the west of the

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from

Alaska Alaska ( ; russian: Аляска, Alyaska; ale, Alax̂sxax̂; ; ems, Alas'kaaq; Yup'ik: ''Alaskaq''; tli, Anáaski) is a state located in the Western United States on the northwest extremity of North America. A semi-exclave of the U.S., ...

south to the

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, northern Asia, and one species as far west as the Kola Peninsula in northwestern Russia. These plants are classified in the broomrape family Orobanchaceae (following major rearrangements of the order Lamiales starting around 2001; sources which do not follow these reclassifications may place them in the Scrophulariaceae). They are hemiparasitic on the roots of Graminoid, grasses and forbs. The generic name honors Spanish botanist Domingo Castillejo.

Ecology

''Castilleja'' species are eaten by the Caterpillar, larvae of some lepidopteran species, including ''Schinia cupes'' (which has been recorded on ''C. exserta'') and ''Schinia pulchripennis'' (which feeds exclusively on ''C. exserta''), and checkerspot butterflies, such as ''Euphydryas'' species. Pollinators aid these plants in reproduction, with insects visiting the flowers, as well as hummingbirds for some species. ''Castilleja'' species can play an important role in plant community dynamics and multitrophic interactions. For example, ''Castilleja'' hemiparasitic reliance on other plant species may affect competition and dominance among other plant species in its community. Additionally, the foliage of some ''Castilleja species'' naturally contains defensive compounds that are sequestered in the tissues of larva, larvae of Generalist and specialist species, specialist insect species that have developed a tolerance for these compounds and are able to consume the foliage. These sequestered compounds then confer chemical protection against predators to larvae.

Hybridization

Seeds of putative Castilleja levisecta × C

Some species in the ''Castilleja'' genus are able to hybridize, especially when ploidy levels match, and hybrids may produce viable seed. This hybridization potential has been identified as a threat to the genetic integrity of certain endangered ''Castilleja'' species.

Uses

The flowers of Indian paintbrush are edible, and were consumed in moderation by various Indigenous peoples of the Americas, Native American tribes as a condiment with other fresh greens. These plants have a tendency to absorb and concentrate selenium in their tissues from the soils in which they grow, and can be potentially very toxic if the roots or green parts of the plant are consumed. Highly alkaline soils increase the selenium levels in the plants. Indian paintbrush has similar health benefits to consuming garlic, though only if the flowers are eaten in small amounts and in moderation.

Symbolism

''Castilleja linariifolia'' is the state flower of Wyoming.Wyoming Statute 8-3-104
(Title 8)

Selected species

References

External links

Native Plant Information Network
Listing of species in the Castilleja genus.
Jepson Manual
- taxonomic description of the genus.
Extensive ''Castilleja'' species gallery by Mark Egger
{{Taxonbar, from=Q311122 Castilleja, Parasitic plants Orobanchaceae genera