Indian Paintbrush

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa)

        The Indian Paintbrush, located in the eastern half of the U.S., are found in open fields and along highways. From a distance they may be seen as patches of red in a sea of green. This species has a relatively short blooming season, blooming from late spring into early summer.
        The flowers are a beautiful red color turning to green at the stem. Another less common species, Castilleja citrina, has yellow flowers.
        Most of the color of the plant is not actually the flower but modified leafs call bracts. These bracts are red, becoming green toward the stem. The shape and color of the upper part resembles a paintbrush dipped in red paint thus the common name Indian Paintbrush.
        The roots of this plant are parasitic, feeding on the roots of other species.