Aquarius Plateau Indian paintbrush facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aquarius Plateau Indian paintbrush
Conservation status
Imperiled (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Castilleja
Species:	aquariensis

Castilleja aquariensis is a special kind of flowering plant. It is often called the Aquarius Plateau Indian paintbrush because its flowers look like a paintbrush dipped in bright colors. This plant is found only in a specific area of Utah, in the United States. It grows on the Aquarius Plateau, including a place called Boulder Mountain. All the places where this plant grows are inside the Dixie National Forest.

What is the Aquarius Plateau Indian Paintbrush?

This plant is a perennial herb, which means it lives for many years. It does not have a woody stem like a tree. It usually grows to be about 15 to 30 centimeters tall. This is roughly the length of a ruler.

How Does It Look?

When it blooms, it has small flowers. These flowers are surrounded by large, light yellow leaves called bracts. These bracts are what give the plant its "paintbrush" look. Scientists think this plant might be "somewhat parasitic." This means it gets some of its food from other plants. However, it can also make its own food.

Where Does This Plant Live?

This unique plant likes to grow in sagebrush-grass meadows. These meadows are found in subalpine areas. These are high up in the mountains, just below the tree line. You can also find it in open areas within forests of spruce trees. The soil where it grows is usually rocky.

How Many Plants Are There?

In a good year, there can be about 75,000 individual plants. The area where it lives is about 270 square miles. This plant was once considered for federal protection. This means the United States Fish and Wildlife Service thought about protecting it. However, it was removed from this list in 2006.

What Are the Dangers to This Plant?

The main danger to the Aquarius Plateau Indian paintbrush is grazing. This happens when animals eat the plants. Its home has been affected by livestock, especially sheep. The Aquarius Plateau area has been overgrazed in general. This means too many animals have eaten too much of the plants there.

Other Threats

• Gophers can cause harm to groups of these plants. They do this by burying the plants.
• Insects like grasshoppers and crickets can also damage the plants. This damage is worse during drought years. A drought is a long period with very little rain.