Castilleja latifolia is a species of Indian paintbrush known by the common name Monterey Indian paintbrush.

It is endemic to the coastline of California between the San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey County. Its range extends from about Point Reyes to Big Sur. It is a plant of the immediate coastline, growing in sand dunes and coastal sage scrub.

Castilleja latifolia

Description

This wildflower is a perennial herb growing up to about 60 centimeters tall and spreading into a shrublike form as it ages over the years.

Castilleja latifolia

It is bristly and hairy, with green, gray-green, purple or purple-tinted herbage. The fleshy leaves are rounded or oval and up to 2 centimeters long.

Castilleja latifolia

The inflorescence is made up of layers of greenish bracts tipped with dull to very bright shades of red, orange, or yellow. Between the bracts appear the flowers, which are often similar in coloration. The fruit is a capsule up to 2 centimeters long.

References

External links

Jepson Manual Treatment of Castilleja latifolia

Castilleja latifolia — UC Photos gallery

latifolia

Endemic flora of California

Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands

Natural history of the San Francisco Bay Area

Flora without expected TNC conservation status