MOUNT HARRISON INTERPRETIVE AREA
CHRIST'S INDIAN PAINTBRUSH
ONE OF A KIND
Christ's indian paintbrush (Castilleja christii) is a beautiful yellow-flowering plant on Mount Harrison.
It is found nowhere else in the world!
This unique plant was first discovered in 1950 by botanist John Christ (pronouncied "krist", like "mist").
It was later named in his honor. The paintbrush is in its full splendor from mid-July to early August,
and is confined to 200 acres on Mount Harrison. Since its original discovery, many botanists have
searched surrounding areas including Independence and Cache Peaks in the Albion Range for this
species, but have not found any other populations.
One of Idaho's rarest plants, the paintbrush was named a "Candidate Species" under the Endangered
Species Act in 1975. Because it is unique to Idaho, and it has an extremely limited range, the Sawtooth
National Forest considers the plant a "Sensitive Species." Both designations mean that the plant needs
extra special care.
A GROUP EFFORT
Protecting the only known population of Christ's Indian paintbrush is a priority. Some activities may harm
the paintbrush, such as management and recreation activities that distrub the habitat, invasion of non-native plants,
trampling, road maintenance, and natural events such as disease or fire. Natural resource managers, their partners,
and the public have worked together to conserve the species.
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
- The Mount harrison Research Area (RNA) and the
Botanical Special Interest Area (BSIA) have been established.
- Rock barriers to minimize off-road use have been installed.
- Non-native plant removal is continuing.
- Public education and outreach efforts are onging, including the Mount Harrison Interpretive Area.
- Livestock access to the summit and RNA has been prevented by fencing.
- Monitoring of plant population trends has occurred, and more is planned for the future.
- Plant pollination ecology has been researched and other research will continue.
[Picture Captions]
Rock barriers have been added to help protect
Christ's Indian paintbrush.
Hand-removal of invasive plants and long-term
monitoring are some fo the conservation activities
for Christ's Indian paintbrush.
