Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha
Photo: parent species Castilleja applegatei · (c) Rob Santry, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family.
Applegate's paintbrush is a California native perennial found in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains in open conifer forest at elevations of 2,000 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces small flowers with a distinctive long beak, approximately 25 to 35 millimeters in length, with a calyx divided into sharp lanceolate lobes. Growing with erect stems 30 to 80 centimeters tall, it develops a robust and upright form characteristic of paintbrush species. Its leaves are unique, typically without side lobes, contributing to its distinctive appearance in mountain forest clearings. The flower's elaborate structure, with its elongated beak measuring 14 to 18 millimeters, sets this subspecies apart from other paintbrush varieties.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated, specific elevation range in SNH
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open conifer forest
Elevation: 2000-3000 m
California counties: Fresno, Tulare, Mariposa, Madera, Tuolumne, Plumas, Kern, El Dorado, Placer, Sierra, Nevada, Lassen, Mono, Inyo, Ventura
Bloom period
Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha blooms Jun-Aug.
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 applegatei subsp. disticha native to California?
Yes. Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha bloom?
Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha grow?
Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha occurs in Fresno, Tulare, Mariposa, Madera, Tuolumne, Plumas, Kern, El Dorado and other counties, at elevations of 2000-3000 m.
What plant family does Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha belong to?
Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
What habitat does Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha grow in?
Castilleja applegatei subsp. disticha grows in Open conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.