Indian Paintbrush
by Robert Bales
Title
Indian Paintbrush
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
On one of my trips to the mountains I was lucky enough to find these beautiful Indian Paintbrush.
Castilleja, commonly known as Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire, is a genus of about 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants native to the west of the Americas from Alaska south to the Andes, northern Asia, and one species as far west as the Kola Peninsula in Siberia. These plants are classified in the broomrape family, Orobanchaceae (following major rearrangements of the order Lamialesstarting around 2001; sources which do not follow these reclassifications may place them in the Scrophulariaceae). They are hemiparasitic on the roots of grasses and forbs. The generic name honours Spanish botanist Domingo Castillejo
The flowers of Indian paintbrush are edible, and were consumed in moderation by various Native American tribes as a condiment with other fresh greens. These plants have a tendency to absorb and concentrate selenium in their tissues from the soils in which they grow, and can be potentially very toxic if the roots or green parts of the plant are consumed. Highly alkaline soils increase the selenium levels in the plants. Indian paintbrush has similar health benefits to consuming garlic if only the flowers are eaten in small amounts and in moderation.
The Ojibwe used a hairwash made from Indian paintbrush to make their hair glossy and full bodied, and as a treatment for rheumatism. The high selenium content of this plant has been cited as the reason for its effectiveness for these purposes. Nevada Indian tribes used the plant to treat sexually transmitted diseases and to enhance the immune system.
The Paintbrush evoked the Native American legend of a young brave who tried to paint the sunset with his warpaints. Frustrated that he could not match the brilliance of nature, he ask for guidance from the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit gave him paintbrushes laden with the colors he so desired. With these, he painted his masterpiece and left the spent brushes in fields across the landscape. These brushes sprouted the flowers we now so wonderfully love!
Uploaded
August 5th, 2013
Embed
Share
Comments (21)
Linda Phelps
L Very nice bright red in these wildflowers. We have some fire wheels growing by the creek at the end of our street that is lavender spider root growing be hind them. This image reminds me of the scene over there. I love how the hot red pops out of this image.
Robert Bales replied:
It is always nice to associate images with something you are familiar with. Thanks for the LIKE and I am glad you enjoyed the capture Linda!
CAR WINDOW GUY -Bob Frederick-
They are a beautiful flower and this variety looks a little different than ours in Texas Well done as usual Robert vfg
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Bob! I did see that the ones in Texas are a little different shade. thanks for the v/f/g!!
Tessa Fairey
Stunning capture Robert! These flowers make such a pretty show! We grow very well here in the beginning of Spring! v/f
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Tessa for the great comments and yes I always enjoy finding these. Thanks for the v/f!!