Castilleja elmeri is a species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae with the common name Elmer's paintbrush. As with most Castilleja species, this is a facultative root hemiparasite and will usually be seen growing close to a host plant.[1] [2]
Unbranched stems grow from a small woody base and are up to 30 cm tall. Leaves are lanceolate and usually entire, and the flowers form a relatively (for a Castilleja) compact head that is usually red or pale yellow, sometimes nearly white or intermediate colors. Leaves, stems, and bracts are covered with fine short hairs.[2] [3]
Castilleja elmeri grows in mountains from southern British Columbia to the Wenatchee Mountains and Mount Rainier in Washington State.[2] In the Wenatchee Mountains it is notable for being common on serpentine soils.[1]