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.

[2][3] 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.