Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie
Plant Characteristics
Growth Form
Herbaceous
Height
.5
to
1.5
ft.
Spread
0.5
to
1
ft.
Leaf Retention
Deciduous
Lifespan
Perennial
Habitat and Care Requirements
Soil Type(s)
Calcareous, Well Drained
Light Requirement
Sun
Water Requirement
Low
Native Habitat
Grassland
Bloom and Attraction
Bloom Color
Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Purple
Bloom Season
Spring
Seasonal Interest
Nectar
Wildlife Benefit
Hummingbirds, Bees
Maintenance
Grows best when planted among short or tall prairie grass, because its roots are semi-parasitic on grass roots. Cut flower stalks when brown. Propagation: Seed. Spread seed in well drained soil.
Comments
Blooms April-June. This species of Indian Paintbrush has floral bracts usually purple, purplish red, or purplish pink but they can also be red, orange, yellow, or white. Where populations meet, the varieties hybridize for an even broader range of colors. It is semi-parasitic on grass roots, making it ideal for meadow and prairie plantings. Pollination: Hummingbirds, bees.
References
1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAPU11. 3) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=16351&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 4) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48. 5) Wasowski and Wasowski, Native Texas Plants Landscaping Region by Region, 1991, pg. 183, 6) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=33077#null