SEEDS FOR CHICAGO
Scarlet paintbrush (yellow form)
(Castelleja coccinea)
Scarlet paintbrush
Castelleja coccinea
- Full sun
- Easy Care
- Outdoor
Why we chose it for Chicago
The Scarlet paintbrush is a beautiful prairie plant native to the midwestern and eastern USA. This species is one of the larval hosts for several types of Checkerspot butterflies and is pollinated by both ruby-throated hummingbirds and several kinds of bees.
Quick Facts:
Plant type
Herbaceous perennial
Plant height:
20-50 cm
Growing conditions
Clay or loam.
Tolerates medium dry to medium wet soils.
Location
Outdoor
Season to flower
Spring, summer
How to plant
It is best to sow seeds directly outside in the late fall.
Additional information
Scarlet paintbrush is an annual or biennial. It has brightly-colored bracts (yellow or red) that look like they have been dipped in paint surrounding inconspicuous flowers
The species is hemiparasitic so its roots form connections with other species, often grasses and rushes. They do not harm the other species, but will draw some nutrients from them.
SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE
We invite you to join us in planting the seed of hope: deepen your relationship with nature, protect and wonder at our vast Earth.
