Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja)

I remember many things from the summer road trips we used to go on as kids. My memory of Moraine Lake was one of the driving forces that had me standing on the rockpile some 40 years later. Less significant memories are still rattling around in my head.

The Indian Paintbrush, pictured below, is found lining the shoulders of the mountain highways. The bright colour draws my eye, always has. When numerous plants are lined up the edge of the road looks to be lined in red. I remember noticing these plants from the back seat of the family car.

A quick google search provides interesting details. The roots actually invade other nearby green plant roots and steal nutrients. It is the state flower of Wyoming. The colourful part of the plant is not the flower, they are nearly invisible and edible. Also known as prairie fire, desert paintbrush and painted cup. The common name originated from the use of the plant as a paint brush by several native tribes. There are 200 species of the Castilleja growing from Alaska to the Andes.

more info on Wikipedia