Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris
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Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by vernal pool habitat and large pouches distinctive.
Field paintbrush is a California native annual herb found in southern North Coast Ranges Interior, Cascade Ranges, northern Sierra Nevada, Great Valley, and Modoc Plateau in vernal pools and moist habitats at elevations below 2,100 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces light to bright yellow flowers with delicate, slender bracts. Growing with thin, flexible stems, it forms low-spreading clusters in wet meadows and seasonal wetlands. Its leaves are narrowly linear, creating a fine, feathery texture along the plant's slender structure. In vernal pool habitats, field paintbrush adds a subtle splash of yellow during the brief spring flowering season.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 31 sympatric species, vernal pool habitat and large pouches distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernal pools, moist places
Elevation: < 2100 m
California counties: El Dorado, Sutter, Amador, Modoc, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Lassen, Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Yuba, Sierra, Stanislaus, Solano, Lake, Sonoma, Merced
Outside California: to central Oregon
Bloom period
Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris blooms Apr-Jul.
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 subsp. campestris native to California?
Yes. Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris bloom?
Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris grow?
Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris occurs in El Dorado, Sutter, Amador, Modoc, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Lassen, Butte and other counties, at elevations of < 2100 m.
What plant family does Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris belong to?
Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
What habitat does Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris grow in?
Castilleja campestris subsp. campestris grows in Vernal pools, moist places.
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.