Downy Painted Cup (Castilleja sessiliflora)

Downy Painted Cup – Parasitic Prairie Wildflower

Castilleja sessiliflora, known as Downy Painted Cup, Downy Paintbrush, or Yellow Indian Paintbrush, is a hemiparasitic perennial wildflower native to central North American prairies. It attaches its roots to host plants (often grasses) to obtain water and nutrients. The showy, colorful bracts (modified leaves) surround inconspicuous flowers, ranging from pale yellow to cream. It blooms in late spring to early summer. This species is difficult to cultivate due to its parasitic nature but is a beautiful component of native prairie restorations.

Taxonomic Details