MWholeleaf Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja integra)M
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Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush -or- Squawfeather Paintbrush (Castilleja integra), family Orobanchaceae (Broomrape)
Family was Scrophulariaceae (Figwort). WIKIPEDIA has this on the re-classification: 'These plants are classified in the family Orobanchaceae (following major rearrangements of the order Lamiales starting around 2001; sources which do not follow these reclassifications may place them in the Scrophulariaceae).' End quote. These lively colored plants yanked us out of our car on our way to Lake Pueblo State Park where we hoped to find the elusive Wheel Milkweed. That, and a good number of other stops for wildflowers, saw us arrive there so late in the day that we kept going and will try another time. Meanwhile this lovely plant was entirely satisfying to our urge to discover early blooming wildflowers. Hwy 96 is busting out all over with wildflowers already. Some are low to the road and others obvious from a passing car. Well worth stopping for. The genus contains about 200 species per WIKIPEDIA. The species linariifolia was made the state flower of Wyoming in 1917. The plants are native (for one) to the west of the Americas.
Caution: As with other paintbrushes the 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 in large quantities. This plant should be avoided as food if found growing in highly alkaline soils, which will 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. That said, see the next insert on historical uses of the species.
USES: The website Native American Ethnobotany has the following records of uses of this species by native americans. Navajo Drug (Burn Dressing)
Plant used for burns. Infusion of crushed leaves taken for stomach troubles. Navajo, Ramah Drug (Blood Medicine)
Compound decoction of root used to "clean out the blood" after internal injury. Decoction of leaf taken during pregnancy to keep baby small, for easy labor. Apache, White Mountain Dye - Root bark used with other substances to color various kinds of skins, especially deer skin. Zuni Dye - Root bark used with minerals to color deerskin black. Keres, Western Other (Ceremonial Items)
Plant held by women for decoration during the harvest dance. Jemez (Preservative)
Dried bracts mixed with chile seeds to prevent spoilage during storage. Per WIKIPEDIA are these: 'The Chippewa Indians 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 venereal diseases and to enhance the immune system. Various other tribes used the plant as its name suggests -- as a paintbrush.'
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Plant location: Headed east on Colorado 96 towards Lake Pueblo State Park - May 5, 2010. GPS coordinates N38?15.088 W105?01.092, elevation 5530'.Plant -
Bloom season: As early as March, as late as September.Foliage -
Colorado 96 towards Lake Pueblo State Park - May 5, 2010
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