Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa
Photo: parent species Castilleja subinclusa · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by inland chaparral habitat and red-throughout display distinguish from coastal subspecies.
scarlet paintbrush is a California native perennial found in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, Tehachapi, southern Coast Ranges, western Transverse Ranges, southern Great Basin, and southern Peninsular Ranges in open chaparral at elevations up to 2,200 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces distinctive red flowers with long-tapered calyx lobes that curve barely upward. Growing with erect stems 15 to 45 centimeters tall, it forms clumps in dry, exposed areas. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, typically green and somewhat hairy, arranged alternately along the stem. The plant's vibrant red inflorescence and corolla make it a striking feature of its chaparral habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 27 sympatric species; inland chaparral habitat and red-throughout display distinguish from coastal subspecies
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open chaparral
Elevation: < 2200 m
California counties: Kern, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Los Angeles, Butte, San Bernardino, San Diego, Placer, El Dorado, San Benito, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Amador, Tulare, Calaveras, Kings, Monterey, Sutter, Riverside, San Joaquin
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa blooms Apr-Jul.
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 subinclusa subsp. subinclusa native to California?
Yes. Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa bloom?
Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa grow?
Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa occurs in Kern, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Los Angeles, Butte, San Bernardino, San Diego, Placer and other counties, at elevations of < 2200 m.
What plant family does Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa belong to?
Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
What habitat does Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa grow in?
Castilleja subinclusa subsp. subinclusa grows in Open chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Castilleja tenuis — Hairy indian paintbrush
- Castilleja uliginosa — Pitkin Marsh paintbrush
- Castilleja wightii — Wight' indian paint brush
- Castilleja affinis — Indian paintbrush
- Castilleja affinis subsp. affinis
- Castilleja affinis subsp. litoralis — Oregon coast paintbrush
- Chloropyron maritimum — Salt marsh bird's beak
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.