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Native Plants Anywhere

Coast Indian paintbrush

Castilleja affinis

Coast Indian paintbrush
Photo: (c) Cayman Lanzone, some rights reserved (CC BY) · iNaturalist

About Coast Indian paintbrush

Coast Indian paintbrush is a gem for any garden that wants to attract hummingbirds and native bees. This cheerful perennial produces brilliant red flowers that practically glow in the sunlight, making it a real showstopper. The fuzzy blooms are shaped like an artist's brush dipped in paint, which is exactly how the plant got its name. It's wonderful for supporting local wildlife while adding natural color to your landscape without any fussy maintenance.

Growing coast Indian paintbrush is wonderfully straightforward. This tough little perennial loves sunshine and well-draining soil, so find it a spot where it gets plenty of light. Plant it where the ground drains well after rain, and you'll be rewarded with years of blooms. Once established, it's quite forgiving and doesn't need coddling. You've got this, and your garden will be the better for it.

Native to 9 states