Castilleja miniata subsp. elata
Siskiyou paintbrush, Siskiyou Paintbrush
Photo: parent species Castilleja miniata · (c) J Brew, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Castilleja miniata subsp. elata (Siskiyou paintbrush) is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by NONE sympatric species - geographically isolated.
Siskiyou paintbrush is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the northwestern Klamath Ranges in serpentine bogs and wetlands at elevations below 1,400 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces striking pink to yellow-orange flowers with delicate, elongated corollas 15 to 25 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems reaching moderate heights, it forms distinctive clumps in moisture-rich habitats. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, complementing the vibrant bracts that give paintbrush species their characteristic colorful appearance. The fruit develops 6 to 10 millimeters long, contributing to its reproductive success in specialized serpentine ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: NONE sympatric species - geographically isolated
Habitat and range
Habitat: Bogs, often on serpentine
Elevation: < 1400 m
California counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Castilleja miniata subsp. elata blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
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 miniata subsp. elata native to California?
Yes. Castilleja miniata subsp. elata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Castilleja miniata subsp. elata bloom?
Castilleja miniata subsp. elata blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Castilleja miniata subsp. elata grow?
Castilleja miniata subsp. elata occurs in Del Norte, Siskiyou, at elevations of < 1400 m.
What plant family does Castilleja miniata subsp. elata belong to?
Castilleja miniata subsp. elata is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
Is Castilleja miniata subsp. elata rare or endangered?
Castilleja miniata subsp. elata carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2S3.
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
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.