Educational Story
Florida Paintbrush, Carphephorus corymbosus, is a perennial herb that has showy violet-colored flowers that resemble an artists paintbrush. It is in the Asteraceae or aster family, which includes the daisies and sunflowers. The striking flowers bloom in fall and consist of a compact head of small, bright purplish, tubular florets, each with a star shaped opening and long protruding stigmas. They are an important fall food source for pollinators, including bees, wasps and butterflies. Despite its delicate appearance, this native wildflower is drought tolerant and it occurs in sand hills or sandy open pine woodlands. Available at local, native nurseries it makes a great addition to butterfly gardens.
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Gardening Facts
| Scientific Name: | Carphephorus corymbosus |
| Common Name: | Florida Paintbrush, Coastal Plain Chaffhead |
| Description of facts and concepts: | A native perennial herb with compact showy purplish inflorescence hat is an important food source for pollinators. |
| Seed or division information: | Propagates from seed; the mature plant will grow “pups” which will fall and spread from the base of the plant. |
| Date of flower’s bloom (Month and week): | September- November |
| Ecoregion: | Dry Pinelands |
| Color of Flower: | Pink or purple |
| Height: | 3 feet and taller |
| Spread: | 6 to 8 inches |
| Family: | Asteraceae (aster or daisy) |
| Soil Type: Base to Acidic | Sandy acidic soils |
| Soil: Dry to Wet | Moderate Moisture |
| Light: Sun to Shade | Sun and partial sun |
| Zone | 8A-11B |