Florida paintbrush
Pictured above: Florida paintbrush (Carphephorus corymbosus) by Eleanor Dietrich. Click on terms for botanical definitions. View post as a PDF.
Also known as Coastalplain chaffhead, Florida paintbrush (Carphephorus corymbosus) is a showy herbaceous wildflower that blooms from late summer into fall. It occurs naturally in pine, scrubby and dry to mesic flatwoods, sandhills and ruderal areas. Its large, striking flower clusters are very attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.
Flowers are born in large flat-topped corymbs. Each bloom is comprised of many bright pink to lavender tubular disk florets and no ray florets. The inflorescence appears atop an erect, unbranched stem that arises from a basal rosette. Basal leaves are flat, linear and succulent in appearance; stem leaves are sessile and alternately arranged. Stems are covered in tiny hairs. The fruit is an achene-like cypsela with a rough surface and a tuft of bristly hairs.
(Carphephorus corymbosus). Photo by Emily Bell
The species epithet corymbosus is from the Latin corymbus, meaning “cluster of fruit or flowers.”
Family: Asteraceae (Aster, daisy or composite famiily)
Native range: Peninsular Florida, Bay and Jackson counties
To see where natural populations of Florida paintbrush have been vouchered, visit florida.plantatlas.usf.edu.
Lifespan: Perennial
Soil: Dry well-drained, sandy soils
Exposure: Full sun to minimal shade
Growth habit: 2-3′ tall when blooming
Propagation: Seed
Florida regions of landscape suitability: North, Central, South
Garden tips: Florida paintbrush is a star for attracting butterflies and makes a great addition to formal and naturalistic landscapes. It is easy to integrate and maintain. Spent flowerheads can be left until spring for added color interest or cut to collect seed.
Florida paintbrush is often available at nurseries that specialize in Florida native plants. Visit PlantRealFlorida.org to find a native nursery in your area.
Learn more about Florida paintbrush from the Florida Native Plant Society and the Institute for Regional Conservation.
For information on other Carphephorus species, see these resources:
