#39. Indian Paintbrush

Scientific Name:

Castilleja sp.

Common Local Paintbrushes:

Castilleja hispida --Harsh Paintbrush (See photo above.)(drier fields & forest openings).

Castilleja miniata (43K) --Common Paintbrush (moister forest openings).

Castilleja rupicola --Cliff Paintbrush (see photo below.(rocky cliffs of Columbia Gorge & rocky scree in alpine areas).

Castilleja parviflora (43K) --Rosy Indian Paintbrush (pink to red paintbrush of alpine areas.)

Family Name:

Figwort Family

Habitat:

Open forests to meadows.

Characteristics:

1. Flowers small & green surrounded by bright red, pink, or orange tipped bracts or leaves. These "flowers" or bracts are clustered at the top of the plant.

2. Leaves are variable, generally narrow, linear to lance-shaped, 7 often wtih 3 lobes or forks at the tip (like a pitchfork). A single plant may have several of the above leaf types!

3. The paintbrush area somewhat parasitic, in that they are usually found in association with other plants such as native grasses, stonecrops, penstemons, or lupines. This association involves the roots of the paintbrush penetrating those of the host plant so that the former can "borrow" the juices of the latter in order to meet at least part of its nutrient requirements. Paintbrush are not totally parasitic. They can manufacture some of their own food.

Uses or Importances:

1. Paintbrush is a very pretty wildflower.

2. Local Indians ground it & drank small quantities of it to bring about regularity in the menstrual cycle. This was done with great caution as large doses could induce miscarriages.