Castilleja sp.
Paintbrush, owl's-clover, Owl'S-Clover
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Annual · Variable; species dependent
Castilleja sp. (Paintbrush) is a non-native California annual in the Orobanchaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
No. Castilleja sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Castilleja sp. belong to?
Castilleja sp. is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.