Indian Paintbrush, Painter’s Brush Castilleia Miniata
The brilliant red color of the Indian Paintbrush is furnished mainly by the upper leaves. The corollas are enfolded in the brightly colored bracts, which, clustered together at the end of the stem, give the effect of a gorgeous blossom. The plants are partial parasites and obtain their food ready-made from their neighbors. They grow 1-3 ft. tall and occur in foothills, mountains and forests at 6000-11000 ft. The flowers bloom all summer.