XCastilleja hispida - Harsh Indian PaintbrushX
Click/Tap a thumbnail image to see its larger image with informational details.
-
Harsh Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja hispida), family Orobanchaceae (Broomrape)
These plants are classified in the family Orobanchaceae (following major rearrangements of the order Lamiales starting around 2001. They were Scrophulariaceae (Figwort). There are over two-hundred species of Indian Paintbrush found in Western North America and this plant is edible in small quantities. Quote "They will absorb selenium, a potentially toxic, alkaline mineral compound in the soil. Where high amounts of selenium in the soil is not present, Indian Paintbrush can be enjoyed in moderation in salads." End quote.
USES:
Various tribes used the flowering parts as a paintbrush. The Chippewa Indians were known to use Indian Paintbrush as a medicine to treat rheumatism and as a bath rinse to make their hair glossy. Both applications are useful due to it's selenium content." There were many other uses of Paintbrush
by Indian tribes - such as a soother for menstral cramps, prevention of contraception, and used with other plants to color animal skins.
Flower -
Plant location: Ingalls Creek of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness region was the site where this plant was found. It was May 19, 2007.Plant -
Bloom period: The bloom season can vary greatly - from April through August. We have found some blooms still showing in Washington into late September.Foliage -
Ingalls Creek hike - Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, Washington - May 19, 2007
-
-
Ingalls Creek hike - Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, Washington - May 19, 2007
-
-
Ingalls Creek hike - Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, Washington - May 19, 2007
-
-
-
-
-