Prairie Wildflowers and Grasses of North Dakota

Spring Wildflowers

Harold Umber photo: Downy paintbrush
Harold Umber Downy paintbrush
(Castilleja acuminata)
Distribution: statewide
Habitat: open or rocky prairie hillsides
Flowers: yellowish to purplish in color, long slender gently arched petals are sometimes pink tipped
Height: 4-12 inches
Blooms: late May to late June
Family name: Figwort (Scrophulariaceae)
Other names: Yellow Indian paintbrush
Plant uses and other interesting facts: Downy paintbrush is saprasitic, meaning it wraps its own roots around neighboring plants and takes nutrients.

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