species 8,868 observations
Wavyleaf Paintbrush
Castilleja applegatei
Field notes
Castilleja applegatei is a species of Castilleja known by the common names Applegate's Indian paintbrush and wavyleaf Indian paintbrush.
It is native to the western United States. It is a short perennial with sticky, wavy-edged leaves, which are divided closer to the top of the plant. It bears bright, showy paintbrush-shaped inflorescences of small red to yellowish-red tubular flowers.
Like other species of Indian paintbrush, it is a root parasite, feeding off plants such as sagebrush. Although it can survive without parasitizing other plants, individuals that take a host grow faster and larger.
There are five subspecies. They are variable in appearance but distinguishable from other Castilleja species by the wavy margins and stickiness of the leaves.
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Caterpillars
Moths and butterflies raised on it



Variable Checkerspot, Edith's Checkerspot, Anicia Checkerspot, Leanira Checkerspot
5
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Plant eaters
Animals that feed on it
Allen's Hummingbird
1
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Flower visitors
Pollinators and other flower visitors



Golden-belted Bumble Bee, Yellow-fronted Bumble Bee, Colorado Black-notched Bumble Bee, Golden Northern Bumble Bee
17
Children
Range
Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided
Key traits
- Layer
- Herbaceous plants
- Plant type
- Perennial Wildflower
From USDA PLANTS.