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Rosy Paintbrush

Castilleja rhexifolia

CommonPlant
Illustration of Rosy Paintbrush (Castilleja rhexifolia)

Rosy Paintbrush is a spectacular magenta to rose-colored Indian paintbrush of subalpine meadows in the central Rockies, producing vivid displays of color in mountain meadows from July through August. Like all paintbrushes, it is hemiparasitic on neighboring plants. Broad-tailed hummingbirds are the primary pollinators across its high-elevation range.

Habitat
Subalpine meadows and rocky slopes of the central Rocky Mountains
Diet
Nectar consumed primarily by broad-tailed hummingbirds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Rosy Paintbrush

The best time to see a Rosy Paintbrush is June–July, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 10,300 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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