Lesser Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja minor
Photographed along Mesquite Wash, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA. April 24, 2009 in riparian habitat.
FLOWERS: What at first appear to be scarlet red flowers are actually
bracts subtending a narrow, pale yellow flower. The calyx and corolla are
bilaterally symmetrical. Blooming period is from mid spring through summer.
PERENNIAL: An herbaceous perennial of riparian zones in the Sonoran
Desert as well as higher elevation zones. Mostly less than
1 meter tall.
LEAVES: Alternate leaves are elongate to linear.
RANGE: Rare in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. Found mostly in shady
spots along riparian streams with moist soil. With varieties and subspecies
this plant is found throughout the western United States.
FRUIT: Upon maturity, dry capsules split open releasing a number of
seeds.
UNARMED. Without thorns.