Thompson’s Paintbrush (Castilleja thompsonii) is a perennial which can be found in the dry lower-elevation grasslands in mid-spring.   From a woody base branched stems rise to about 40 cm.   Linear leaves are green on the stem.    The upper leaves are in pairs and are lobed.   The inflorescence has the paintbrush shape with yellow (pale) bracts.    The flowers are small and green, shielded by the bracts.

After flowering, capsules with many seeds develop.    This Castilleja can be quite variable and may need to be closely inspected to determine the specific species.   Castilleja are semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants.  By mid-summer Thompson’s paintbrush will be hard to spot.

Shared here are photos taken by the author, in a Google Photos slideshow: