Download golden paintbrush - Draft

Golden (Indian) Paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta)
Global: G1, Provincial: S1, COSEWIC: E, BC List: Red
Note on Taxonomy for Castilleja levisecta: A member of the Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) which also includes elephant’s head and lousewort. This
species also goes by the name “golden Indian paintbrush” (E-Flora, USDA Plants database).
Distribution: Elevations <100 m (likely <25m). As with many other species of conservation concern on the Coast Region this species is at the northern end of
its range in BC, occurring only on the southeast Vancouver Island area. Golden paintbrush had a historically wider range than present day occurring from
southeastern BC down through the Willamette Valley in Oregon. The Oregon populations are extripated as are 9 of the 11 known populations that occurred in
BC (BC Conservation Data Center 2010, GOERT 2010). Locations included Alpha Islet, Beacon Hill, Cedar Hill, Dallas cliffs, Foul Bay, Lost Lake
(Blenkinsop Lake), Trial Island, Sidney, and Wellington. The Alpha Islet and Trial Island are the two that continue to persist (BC Conservation Data Center)
Description: Height 100-500mm. Golden paintbrush is a perennial herb branching from a woody stem base into 5-15 semi-erect, clustered or sometimes
creeping stems. The entire plant above ground is covered with dense soft and rough bristly hairs (BC Conservation Data Center 2010, GOERT 2010). Leaves
of the plant grow alternately and are sticky, especially on the upper surface. Near the upper stem leaves are narrow at the base widening to a broad, egg-shape.
Leaves on the lower stems are long, pointy and tapered at each end. Flowers are pale green and inconcspicuous, hidden by whorls of bright golden-yellow
bracts. Each bract, the same width as the upper stem leaves has 3-5 narrow lobes is also covered with short, sticky, soft hairs (Parks Canada 2006, GOERT
2010).
Look’s Like? Harsh paintbrush a species that has an overlapping range and has a range of colours including a yellow form may be confused with golden
paintbrush. Golden paintbrush is distinguished by brighter yellow floral bracts that do not flare into spikes and sticky hairs found on leaves and floral bracts
(GOERT 2010).
Primary Habitat: The species occupies grass-dominated maritime meadows and openings with dry to moderately dry conditions and deep soils. Associated
species include a range of fescue grasses, prairie lupine, wild strawberry and other drought tolerant native and introduced herbs and forbs that grow in
association with dry Garry oak headlands and meadows (Parks Canada 2006, GOERT 2010).
Secondary Habitat: Though preferring open sunny environments golden paintbrush may tolerate some shade competition from associated meadowland shrubs
such as snowberry (GOERT 2010).
Critical Features: This species has a narrow habitat range requiring droughty, gravelly to loamy soil in open grasslands, conditions that may limit competition
from other species. Sites would have been maintained through periodic low intensity fire regimes (Parks Canada 2006, GOERT 2010).
Seasonal Life Cycle
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Flowering peaks April – May (can continue into July under
favourable conditions). Seeds mature and dispersed late AugustSeptember – potentially until december
Shoots continue
to grow through
March
Shoots develop
September, fully out of
dormancy by January
Cross-pollination is the only known means of reproduction and seed production. Fruits are small capsules containing more than 100 seeds, persisting on the
plant long after the end of the growing season Golden paintbrush may be a hemiparasite, exploiting the root system of a host plant for seedling development.
Although golden paintbrush has not been specifically researched, studies indicate that plants without a hemiparasitic connection wilt faster than those with such
a connection (Parks Canada 2006, GOERT 2010).
Habitat Guild: Garry Oak woodlands, dry inland and maritime meadows and bluffs.
Threats
 The preferred ecological associations of this species are geographically limited and subject to urban development and associated habitat loss
 Disturbance, trampling and picking from outdoor recreation activities.
 Competition for nutrients and shading from associated vascular plants and subsequently expansion of other more shade tolerant species.
 Fire suppression has led to increased spread and encroachment of competitive plant species (i.e. shrubs) including native and introduced species.
Key Conservation & Management Objectives
 Assess actual level and extent of threats to existing populations.
 A targeted inventory is needed to determine if undiscovered populations exist elsewhere within the Coast Region. Conduct outreach to raise awareness of
this species and how to identify it to improve distribution knowledge
 Monitor existing populations on an ongoing basis to assess viability and reduce potential disturbance from land use activities.
 Where suitable habitat occurs, work with land managers and land owners to ensure development or recreational activities do not disturb or encroach on
sensitive areas.
 Reintroduce populations into former habitat that is protected and properly managed to ensure viability. Local seed source from the two islands can be used
to produce planting stock for reintroduction. Washington has a reintroduction plan for Castilleja levisecta; similar work could be undertaken in B.C.
 A better understanding of the species' reproductive capability is required including the extent to which it relies on cross-pollination to produce viable seed.
Response to fire also needs to be studied.
 Prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants, especially aggressive competitors like Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry, which can be
difficult to control once they are established. Even native species such as snowberry can create competitive issues. When controlling invasive plants, take
precautions to minimize disturbance.
Draft 2010
Disclaimer: This species account and related conservation recommendations are draft only and presently under review and subject to change.
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Meet objectives for this species and the conservation of its habitat as set out in the “Recovery Strategy for Multi-species at Risk in Maritime Meadows
Associated with Garry Oak Ecosystems in Canada”.
Sightings, specimens, or observations of activities threatening its habitat should be reported to the regional Species at Risk Biologist at the Ministry of
Environment office.
Main References/Literature Cited
Parks Canada Agency. 2006. Recovery Strategy for Multi-species at Risk in Maritime Meadows Associated with Garry Oak Ecosystems in Canada. In Species
at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Ottawa: Parks Canada Agency. 93 pps.
Species at Risk in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in British Columbia. 2010. Castilleja levisecta Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team
International Forest Products Limited and BC Ministry of Environment. 2003. A Field Guide to Species at Risk in the Coast Forest Region of British Columbia
Develop With Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia.
BC Species & Ecosystems Explorer (BC Conservation Data Center Summary Report)
NatureServe Explorer
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
E-Flora Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia
USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database
Image credits:
Golden Paintbrush: Rod Gilbert
Golden paintbrush inset: Institute for Applied Ecology, Corvallis OR.
Harsh Paintbrush: Rod Gilbert
Habitat: Rod Gilbert
Draft 2010
Disclaimer: This species account and related conservation recommendations are draft only and presently under review and subject to change.
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