Castilleja peirsonii
Peirson's paintbrush
no rights reserved, uploaded by Leah Gardner · CC0
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Castilleja peirsonii (Peirson's paintbrush) is a native California perennial in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by black exserted stigma and bright red bracts are key features.
Peirson's paintbrush is a California native perennial found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and high Cascade Range in montane to alpine meadows at elevations of 1,500 to 3,400 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces bright red bracts with yellow-green flowers 15 to 28 millimeters long, creating a vibrant display in high-elevation habitats. Growing 15 to 40 centimeters tall with a somewhat glabrous to hairy stem, it develops an elegant upright form in alpine meadow environments. Its leaves are 15 to 50 millimeters long, lanceolate to oblong, with 0 to 5 slender lobes that complement the striking red and yellow-green inflorescence. The plant produces small fruits 6 to 9 millimeters long, with seeds that have a delicate, loose-fitting netted coat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 22 sympatric species; black exserted stigma and bright red bracts are key features
Habitat and range
Habitat: Montane to alpine meadows
Elevation: 1500-3400 m
California counties: Inyo, Fresno, Mono, Madera, El Dorado, Tulare, Plumas, Mariposa, Placer, Nevada, Tuolumne
Outside California: to Alaska
Bloom period
Castilleja peirsonii blooms Jul-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 peirsonii native to California?
Yes. Castilleja peirsonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Castilleja peirsonii bloom?
Castilleja peirsonii blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Castilleja peirsonii grow?
Castilleja peirsonii occurs in Inyo, Fresno, Mono, Madera, El Dorado, Tulare, Plumas, Mariposa and other counties, at elevations of 1500-3400 m.
What plant family does Castilleja peirsonii belong to?
Castilleja peirsonii is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
What habitat does Castilleja peirsonii grow in?
Castilleja peirsonii grows in Montane to alpine meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.