What is golden paintbrush?

 Golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta) is a perennial member of the Scrophulariaceae that is endemic to the Pacific Northwest in western British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. The species is currently considered extirpated from Oregon. Paintbrush species are hemiparasites, meaning their roots attach to the roots of other plants and draw resources from them. Golden paintbrush is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as endangered.

 The Golden Paintbrush Challenge!

Is there any more golden paintbrush out there anywhere? This endangered species has dwindled to just a few populations populations in Washington and is believed to be extinct in Oregon. If biologists could find more populations in the wild, conservation of this species could be vastly improved.

Click here to learn more about the Golden Paintbrush Challenge.

Golden Paintbrush Resources

On the Web

USFWS Recovery Plan

Determination of Threatened Status

Reintroduction Plan

CPC Plant Profile

Selected Rare Vascular Plants of Washington

Status of the golden paintbrush in British Columbia

Publications

Allozyme diversity in the federally threatened golden paintbrush, Castilleja levisecta (Scrophulariaceae).

Golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta) common garden studies: selecting seed sources and reintroduction sites to support recovery of an endangered prairie species.

Castilleja levisecta, a threatened South Puget Sound prairie species.

Habitat Variation Throughout the Historic Range of Golden Paintbrush, a Pacific Northwest Prairie Endemic: Implications for Reintroduction.