Common Name: Wyoming Indian Paintbrush

General Information

Castilleja linariaefolia is a herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of several to many stems from a more or less woody root crown. The stems can be simple or little-branched, usually around 0 - 80cm tall, occasionally reaching 150cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western N. America - Oregon, Idaho and Montana, south to California, Arizona and New Mexico

Habitat

Dry plains and hills, usually with sagebrush; at elevations up to 3,000 metres[]. Moist places[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Most species succeed in full sun in a light, well-drained sandy soil with added humus[].
Castilleja species are usually semi root parasites, and do not grow well without suitable hosts growing nearby[]. We do not have information, at present, as to which species it can parasitize.
This species is the state flower of Wyoming[].

Edible Uses

Flowers[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the plant is used to treat kidney disorders[]. A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of excessive menstrual discharge and other menstrual difficulties, and also to prevent conception[]. The plant has been used to treat stomach aches[].
The dried plant, combined with other ingredients, is used to treat skin diseases and leprosy[].

A decoction of the leaves has been used during pregnancy in order to keep the baby small and thus lead to an easier labour[].

The root is cathartic[]. A decoction has been used as a blood purifier[]. When taken over a long period of time, a decoction of the root is said to be an effective treatment for venereal disease[].

Other Uses

The root, in conjuction with various minerals, is used as a black dye[].

Propagation

Seed - although seed is very easy to germinate, it is very difficult to grow plants beyond the seedling stage unless a suitable environment with appropiate hosts can be provided[].