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Submit a photoScarlet Paintbrush
Castilleja miniata
One of Alberta's most spectacular mountain and foothills wildflowers — brilliant scarlet bracts (not true flowers) surround small hidden greenish flowers. Semi-parasitic: draws nutrients from the roots of nearby grasses and wildflowers via haustoria. Difficult to cultivate outside native grassland settings.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Foothills, Mountains, Zone 3
Light
Full sun
Bloom Time
June–Aug
Soil
Moist, well-drained; requires host grass roots nearby
Water
Moderate
Use Caution— Can accumulate selenium from soil — avoid letting pets browse in large quantity
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Seed only — surface-sow on moist soil with grass host species (Festuca, Koeleria). Difficult without host plants. Cold stratify 60 days.
