Indian Paintbrush, Prairie Fire
Red Paintbrushes produce clusters of spiky, bright red or orange-yellow blooms at the tip of the stems. The flowers themselves are hard to spot; it's the bracts that are brightly colored.
Many different varieties of Red Paintbrushes can be found throughout North America. Height varies from 6 in to 3 ft, depending on the species. The plants often form clusters of individual, erect stems. The leaves are long, narrow, and pointed.
Red Paintbrushes can be found in prairies, open woodlands, and along the banks of streams throughout western North America. They flower from April to July.
Did you know? Red Paintbrushes have green leaves and produce their own food, but they also join roots with neighboring plants to steal water and nutrients.
See Also: Beargrass, Blazing Star, Camas, False Solomon's Seal, Fireweed, Goldenrod, Purple Prairie Clover
