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Plant Profile

Aquarius Indian-paintbrush (Castilleja aquariensis)

Castilleja aquariensis in flower Photo Credit: Mark Egger

Global Rank: G2 - Imperiled
Legal Status: N/A
Family: Orobanchaceae
State: UT
Nature Serve ID: 147176
Lifeform: Forb/herb
Date Inducted in National Collection: 03/05/1993

Description:

Castilleja aquariensis is a perennial herb 6-12in. tall with spikes of vibrant yellow flowers that bloom late June-August. It is endemic to Utah and likely somewhat parasitic. As of 2006 this species was no longer listed as a candidate because a recent survey found more individuals than previously and there is no evidence of factors that might impact the species as posing a threat. The increase of individuals may be attributed to studies that have shown this species trends are potentially linked to the weather, and specifically to precipitation.

Where is Aquarius Indian-paintbrush (Castilleja aquariensis) located in the wild?

Habitat:

Subalpine sagebrush-grass meadowsOpenings in spruce communities. Rocky soils. 2792-3648m elevation.

Distribution:

Garfield Co. and Wayne Co. Utah

States & Provinces:

Aquarius Indian-paintbrush can be found in Utah

Which CPC Partners conserve Aquarius Indian-paintbrush (Castilleja aquariensis)?

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Not Sponsored

Assigned 06/09/17

CPC's Plant Sponsorship Program provides long term stewardship of rare plants in our National Collection. We are so grateful for all our donors who have made the Plant Sponsorship Program so successful. We are in the process of acknowledging all our wonderful plant sponsorship donors on our website. This is a work in progress and will be updated regularly.

Conservation Actions

Nature Serve Biotics

05/02/2017

Endemic to the Aquarius Plateau and Boulder Mountain in Utah. Between 30 and 40 occurrences. This species is threatened by grazing animals that trample and kill the plants and they eat the flower buds and plant tops which limits reproductive capacity. Implementation of a 2004 management agreement may substantially reduce impacts from grazing, in addition to measures currently being conducted at Dixie National Forest to mitigate the effects of grazing. Climate change may reduce the suitability of this species current habitat.?Updated information on threats and plant numbers post management would be helpful to better assess the conservation status.

Heidi Simper

01/01/2010

Grazing (greatest threat) Road realignment Construction related to recreation or timber activities

Heidi Simper

01/01/2010

74,100 individuals

Heidi Simper

01/01/2010

Aquarius paintbrush (Castilleja aqauriensis) Conservation Agreement and Strategy By U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Heidi Simper

01/01/2010

1996 management agreement to reduce impacts from grazing. Measures currently being conducted at Dixie National Forest to mitigate the effects of grazing. Candidate Conservation Agreement

Heidi Simper

01/01/2010

Determine life history Continued monitoring of populations

Heidi Simper

01/01/2010

Seed conservation