Castilleja campestris
Vernal pool indian paintbrush
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Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Castilleja campestris (Vernal pool indian paintbrush) is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by Glabrous annual 10--30 cm; entire linear-lanceolate leaves; green, entire lance-linear bracts (not showy); pouched yellow corolla;….
Vernal pool indian paintbrush is a California native annual found in vernal pool habitats at elevations of 10 to 30 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces yellow to reddish flowers with bracts 10 to 25 millimeters long in compact inflorescences 3 to 15 centimeters tall. Growing 10 to 30 centimeters tall with an upright, nearly glabrous stem, it has a delicate and slender appearance. Its leaves are linear to lanceolate, 15 to 40 millimeters long, arranged alternately along the stem and remaining entirely entire. The flower's distinctive corolla reaches 15 to 25 millimeters long with a straight 5 to 6 millimeter beak and lower lip pouches 6 to 10 millimeters wide.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Glabrous annual 10--30 cm; entire linear-lanceolate leaves; green, entire lance-linear bracts (not showy); pouched yellow corolla; vernal pools
Habitat and range
California counties: Merced, Yolo, Sacramento, Butte, Plumas, Sonoma, Lassen, Placer, Modoc, Solano
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 campestris native to California?
Yes. Castilleja campestris is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Castilleja campestris grow?
Castilleja campestris occurs in Merced, Yolo, Sacramento, Butte, Plumas, Sonoma, Lassen, Placer and other counties.
What plant family does Castilleja campestris belong to?
Castilleja campestris is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
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.