Stems green but appearing grayish from pubescence. Leaves green but appearing grayish from pubescence, 0(–5)-lobed, lobes spreading, lanceolate, sometimes linear-lanceolate. Bracts: distally bright red, sometimes orange-red; lobe apex acute to obtuse, sometimes expanded near tip. Calyces: lateral clefts 2–4 mm. Corollas: tube 11–24 mm; beak adaxially green.

Phenology: Flowering Mar–Sep.
Habitat: Sandy or rocky slopes, ledges, washes, sometimes on clay or cryptogamic soils, mostly sandstone.
Elevation: 1200–2800 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Ariz., Colo., N.Mex., Utah.

Discussion

Variety scabrida inhabits sandstone-derived soils in high deserts and the surrounding mountains, in Utah and adjacent western Colorado as well as a handful of records from northeastern Arizona and northwestern New Mexico. Variety scabrida is related to, and often confused with, Castilleja chromosa, but the latter species is usually a sagebrush associate, while C. scabrida shows no special differences for Artemisia. Variety scabrida occasionally hybridizes with C. linariifolia.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.