// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Prairie paintbrush

Castilleja purpurea

Prairie paintbrush (Castilleja purpurea) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–10a. Mature size 6"–10".

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to KS, MO, OK, TX
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–10a
Mature size: 6"–10"
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low · xeric
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Prairie paintbrush (Castilleja purpurea) — *Castilleja purpurea* — Prairie paintbrush. Photo by Barnes Dr Thomas G, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Prairie paintbrush (Castilleja purpurea) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 5a–10a. Mature size 6"–10". Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, prairie paintbrush pairs naturally with: American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea), Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium).