"Common Red Paintbrush" (Castilleja miniata)
2007 June 05
2007 June 5
2007 June 7
2007 July 17This plant can be found most everywhere around here, from early spring right through summer. It may be propagated by seed but with some difficulty, given this plant is a partial root parasite. It can produce it's own food yet, if conditions are less than optimal, it will parasitize off the roots of other plants, especially Kinnikinnick. It prefers well drained soil with full sun. Apparently, where little or no selenium* (an alkaline mineral compound) is present in the soil, the flowers can, in moderation, be eaten in salads. Some First Nation peoples were known to use Indian Paintbrush as a medicine to treat rheumatism and as a rinse to make their hair glossy.
*(Note on selenium ... this is a trace mineral that we need but only in small amounts ... it has some antioxidant qualities. It is possible for one to be selenium deficient ... though not usually a problem in our country. Brazil nuts are high in selenium.)
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