Seed capsules 2-locular (chambered), spliting open lengthwise between the partitions, 8-10mm long.
Seeds numerous with a coat of large, netted, translucent cells.
Not to Be Confused With:
Castilleja hyperarctica (Northern Indian Paintbursh) which can be distinguished by its forked leaves.
Castilleja caudata (Pale Indian Paintbursh) which can be distinguished by its side calyx (sepal) lobes as long as tube or longer.
Biology
Physiology:
Partially parasitic on roots of other plants. Particularily grass like plants.
Are capable of carying out thier full life cycle with out parasitizing other plants.
However by being parasitic on its nieghbours gives it a strategic advantage.
This genus is puzzling to the taxonomists, due to the variability of charactaristic features, and due to the presence of hybrids in areas where species meet.
Plants in this genus are well suited to the needs of Hummingbirds.
Some researchers think Castilleja (Indian Paintbrush) and Hummingbirds may have evolved together.
Though there are few to no hummingbirds in Central Yukon.
Habitat:
Hillsides, and silt and gravel or rivderbanks.
Uses
Modern:
Industrial:
Medicinal:
Food:
Traditional Gwich'in:
Folklore:
Industrial:
Medicinal:
Food:
Traditional Other:
Folklore:
Nevada Natives believed that the rattlesnake distilled poison from these flowers because they grew near rocks where the snakes lived.
Tea made from these plants was taken as a love medicine and flower was put into love charms.
Industrial:
Medicinal:
Food:
Images
Plants in bloom (Photo by: Mark Egger)
Range Maps
World Range: North American; Endemis to central AK and western Yukon