Golden Paintbrush

Golden paintbrush is a perennial herb in the figwort or snapdragon family (Scrophulariaceae). It often has from 5-to-15 unbranched stems. The stems may be erect or spreading, in the latter case giving the appearance of being several plants, especially when in tall grass. Plants are up to 30 cm (12 inches) tall and are covered with soft, somewhat sticky hairs. The lower leaves are broader, with 1-to-3 pairs of short lateral lobes near the terminal third. The showy bracts are about the same width as the upper leaves, softly hairy and sticky, and are golden yellow. The bracts effectively hide the flowers. Reasons for Decline Threats to golden paintbrush include habitat modification as succession causes prairies and grasslands to become shrub and forest lands; development for commercial, residential, and agricultural use; low potential for expansion of golden paintbrush populations and their refugia because existing habitat is constricted; and recreational picking and herbivory.