Downy Paintbrush
Scientific Name: (Castilleja sessiliflra)
Definition: Downy Paintbrush belongs to the Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae). The plant is a perennial herb, growing upright to a height of 12 inches. Stems are hairy, and vary from just a few at the base to several. The flowers around 2 inches long, varying shades of purple to pink and sometimes. Each flower is tubular and 2 lipped. Each lip is slender; the upper lip is beaked and longer. Numerous flowers cluster along the upper portion of the stem and create the showy looking "flower" one sees from a distance. Downy Paintbrush prefers rocky or sandy soils on prairies or wooded slopes. Note that as with other paintbrushes, this one almost impossible to cultivate. Best results achieved from fall sown seed in appropriate soil. Downy Paintbrush works well to form a solid border or to create clumps scattered among other plants. Blooms March - May.