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Field Guide


Aquarius Indian Paintbrush

Aquarius Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja aquariensis)
Photo by Joel Tuhy
Photo Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Castilleja aquariensis

NatureServe conservation status

Global (G-rank): G2
State (S-rank): S2

Utah Wildlife Action Plan status

  • SGCN

External links


General information

Castilleja aquariensis is known from Garfield and Wayne Counties, Utah where it is only found on the Aquarius Plateau. This species is often associated with sagebrush-mixed forb meadow openings with Ribes, Aquilegia, Artemisia, Senecio, Achillea, Festuca, Penstemon and Potentilla. Aquarius Indian Paintbrush has pale yellow green flowers that bloom on top of bluish purple stems and leaves. Up close, you might see the flowers glisten in the sunlight due to the glandular hairs on the petals which can reflect light like tiny dew drops. 

Description

Castilleja aquariensis is known from Garfield and Wayne Counties, Utah where it is only found on the Aquarius Plateau. This species is often associated with sagebrush-mixed forb meadow openings with Ribes, Aquilegia, Artemisia, Senecio, Achillea, Festuca, Penstemon and Potentilla. Aquarius Indian Paintbrush has pale yellow green flowers that bloom on top of bluish purple stems and leaves. Up close, you might see the flowers glisten in the sunlight due to the glandular hairs on the petals which can reflect light like tiny dew drops. 

Phenology

Flowers from late June to August.

Species range

Endemic to the Aquarius Plateau, Garfield Co. and Boulder Mountain, Wayne Co., Utah (Groebner 2005). This species forms part of the Septentrionales group in Castilleja, with each species occupying its own plateau with intervening valleys.

Threats or limiting factors

Primary threats are from habitat degradation due to grazing, recreation, drought, and road maintenance.

Taxonomy

No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies