Indian paintbrush
Paintbrush, Painted Lady
Castilleja coccinea.
Perennial
This unusual plant is a parasite which cannot be grown except in conjunction with its host plant. It takes nutrients from plants around it, typically perennial grasses. It does still photosynthesize and relies on pollinators for reproduction.
Castilleja coccinea.
Perennial
This unusual plant is a parasite which cannot be grown except in conjunction with its host plant. It takes nutrients from plants around it, typically perennial grasses. It does still photosynthesize and relies on pollinators for reproduction.
DESCRIPTION:
Flowers
An unusual flower which resembles a paintbrush dipped in bright red paint, The red structures are a type of modified leaf, not petals. These grow in a tuft at the end of a straight stem, normally under 1 foot in height.
Flowers
An unusual flower which resembles a paintbrush dipped in bright red paint, The red structures are a type of modified leaf, not petals. These grow in a tuft at the end of a straight stem, normally under 1 foot in height.
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WHOLE PLANT:
Stem
The strong stem is dotted with tiny leaves on alternating sides. It supports typically one, but up to many bright red blooms per stem. It generally grows a foot tall.
Stem
The strong stem is dotted with tiny leaves on alternating sides. It supports typically one, but up to many bright red blooms per stem. It generally grows a foot tall.
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Leaves
As stated above, the blooms themselves are leaf clusters with striking red tips. As you move down the plant from the head, the leaves get bigger and more green. They are lance shaped with veins etching into their surface,
As stated above, the blooms themselves are leaf clusters with striking red tips. As you move down the plant from the head, the leaves get bigger and more green. They are lance shaped with veins etching into their surface,
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WHERE TO FIND IT:
Can be found on hillsides with some shade, mixed in with other plants in high elevation areas.
Can be found on hillsides with some shade, mixed in with other plants in high elevation areas.
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WHEN TO FIND IT:
Indian paintbrush blooms in July-August. They are a biennial species, meaning every two years the plants bloom stronger as it takes the seeds a full year to germinate. While you'll still find Indian Paintbrush every year, the following year will either have a wider colony of blooms or a smaller, depending on what phase you see it on.
Indian paintbrush blooms in July-August. They are a biennial species, meaning every two years the plants bloom stronger as it takes the seeds a full year to germinate. While you'll still find Indian Paintbrush every year, the following year will either have a wider colony of blooms or a smaller, depending on what phase you see it on.
