Castilleja cinerea
Ash-gray paintbrush
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Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2 · Threatened
Castilleja cinerea (Ash-gray paintbrush) is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by but unique ash-gray dense hairiness and small size.
Ash-gray paintbrush is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the San Bernardino Mountains in dry sagebrush scrub at elevations of 1,800 to 3,300 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces flowers with dusty red, purple, or green-yellow bracts in dense clusters 3 to 6 centimeters long. Growing with ascending to erect stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall, densely covered in ashy-gray pubescence, it has a delicate, compact form. Its lance-linear leaves extend 10 to 20 centimeters, typically without lobes, with a sparse, elegant structure. The flower's pale yellow corolla is partially hidden within dense, branched-hairy calyces, creating an intricate botanical display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species, but unique ash-gray dense hairiness and small size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry sagebrush scrub
Elevation: 1800-3300 m
California counties: San Bernardino
Bloom period
Castilleja cinerea blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2 · Threatened
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 cinerea native to California?
Yes. Castilleja cinerea is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Castilleja cinerea bloom?
Castilleja cinerea blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Castilleja cinerea grow?
Castilleja cinerea occurs in San Bernardino, at elevations of 1800-3300 m.
What plant family does Castilleja cinerea belong to?
Castilleja cinerea is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
Is Castilleja cinerea rare or endangered?
Castilleja cinerea carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.