Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta
Tiburon paintbrush, Tiburon Paintbrush
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Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2 · Endangered
Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta (Tiburon paintbrush) is a native California subshrub in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by but unique serpentine habitat and smaller dimensions.
Tiburon paintbrush is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern North Coast Ranges Interior and San Francisco Bay Area regions, specifically in Napa, Marin, and Santa Clara counties, growing on open serpentine slopes at elevations below 300 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces yellow, pink, or red-orange flowers in inflorescences 15 to 25 millimeters wide. Growing with bristly stems up to 40 centimeters tall, it develops a distinctive appearance with its variable plant structure. Its leaves are approximately 20 to 40 millimeters long, lanceolate in shape, with 0 to 5 potential lobes, giving the plant a delicate yet textured profile. The flower's calyx measures 15 to 20 millimeters, with a corolla 18 to 22 millimeters long, creating an intricate and colorful display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 28 sympatric species, but unique serpentine habitat and smaller dimensions
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open serpentine slopes
Elevation: < 300 m
California counties: Marin, Napa, Santa Clara
Bloom period
Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2 · Endangered
How to tell it apart
vs Triphysaria: Castilleja lacks the sharp fold in flower throat; Triphysaria has abrupt crease above lower lip.; vs Trifolium: Castilleja has tubular flowers with colorful bracts; Trifolium has round heads of pea-like flowers and three leaflets.; vs Pedicularis: Castilleja has open forward beak and colorful bracts; Pedicularis has closed hood and fern-like leaves.; vs Orthocarpus: Castilleja has open beak you can see into; Orthocarpus has closed hood covering stamens completely.; vs Epilobium: Castilleja has tubular two-lipped flowers and colorful bracts; Epilobium has four separate petals arranged in cross.
Frequently asked questions
Is Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta native to California?
Yes. Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta bloom?
Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta grow?
Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta occurs in Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, at elevations of < 300 m.
What plant family does Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta belong to?
Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
Is Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta rare or endangered?
Castilleja affinis subsp. neglecta carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Castilleja ambigua — Johnny-nip
- Castilleja ambigua subsp. ambigua — johnny-nip
- Castilleja ambigua subsp. humboldtiensis — Humboldt bay owl's-clover
- Castilleja ambigua subsp. insalutata — pink Johnny-nip
- Castilleja ambigua var. heckardii — Heckard's owl's- clover
- Castilleja ambigua var. meadii — Mead's owls- clover
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.