Genus: Castilleja after Don Domingo Castillejo, 18th-century Spanish botanist
Species: hispida means 'bristly' or 'hairy'
Rainier's low elevation paintbrush. Of the five species in the Park, C. hispida is the primary paintbrush of the forest zone. Their hairy stems raise 12" - 20" (30 - 50 cm). Upper leaves and bracts are square shaped with 3 - 5 deep lobes. Like all paintbrush the bracts provide the color which can range from scarlet, orange, or yellow. Paintbrushes are "hemiparasites" for they have specialized roots to obtain some nutrients from the roots of other plants. Usually found in dry gravelly soil (like roadsides) to about 4000' elevation. (ref. Biek)
Trail Notes:
Trail/Hike: Stevens Canyon Road
Date: July 19, 2008
Location: along road on east side of Backbone Ridge/Cowlitz Divide (photo)
