Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula
Pink creamsacs, Pink Creamsacs
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula (Pink creamsacs) is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by white-to-pink flowers and rarity distinguish from other subspecies.
Pink creamsacs is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual herb found in southern North Coast Ranges Interior, Sacramento Valley, and southern San Francisco Bay Area in open grassland at elevations below 900 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white flowers that gradually turn pink, creating a delicate color transition. Growing with slender stems to approximately 30 centimeters tall, it emerges as a delicate grassland wildflower. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, typical of the paintbrush genus, blending subtly with surrounding grasses. The fruit develops as a small capsule, continuing the plant's understated botanical elegance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 28 sympatric species; white-to-pink flowers and rarity distinguish from other subspecies
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open grassland
Elevation: < 900 m
California counties: Colusa, Lake, Butte, Napa, Glenn, Santa Clara
Bloom period
Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 rubicundula subsp. rubicundula native to California?
Yes. Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula bloom?
Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula grow?
Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula occurs in Colusa, Lake, Butte, Napa, Glenn, Santa Clara, at elevations of < 900 m.
What plant family does Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula belong to?
Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
Is Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula rare or endangered?
Castilleja rubicundula subsp. rubicundula carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
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.