The bright red of desert Indian paintbrush (
Castilleja angustifolia, sometimes
Castilleja chromosa) is livening up the sagebrush hills near my house. Indian paintbrush has classically been called part of the Figwort or Snapdragon Family (Scrophulariaceae) but has more recently been reassigned by some botanists in the Broomrape Family (Orobanchaceae).
It is a perennial plant, common throughout western North America. Often several different species of
Castilleja can be found relatively close together. They are considered to be hemiparasitic, growing close to shrubs with deeper root systems from which they take water and nutrients.
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The beautiful, bold red of the Kingcup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) caught my eye from the road. It is also called red-flowered hedgehog cactus, claretcup cactus, strawberry cactus, Mojave mound cactus, and three spine hedgehog cactus. There are about one hundred species in the genus Echinocereus.
This cactus can withstand cold temperatures and is pollinated by hummingbirds. It is generally found up to 6,500 feet elevation.
The bright red of desert Indian paintbrush (Castilleja angustifolia, sometimes Castilleja chromosa) is livening up the sagebrush hills near my house. Indian paintbrush has classically been called part of the Figwort or Snapdragon Family (Scrophulariaceae) but has more recently been reassigned by some botanists in the Broomrape Family (Orobanchaceae).
It is a perennial plant, common throughout western North America. Often several different species of Castilleja can be found relatively close together. They are considered to be hemiparasitic, growing close to shrubs with deeper root systems from which they take water and nutrients.
