Desert Paintbrush
Castilleja chromosa
West Fork Sycamore Creek, Mazatzal Mts., Arizona, USA. 31 March 2018.
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HERBACEOUS PERENNIAL: Several leafy stems rising to less than a half
meter in height from a perennial root system that is hemi-parasitic on adjacent plants.
FLOWERS: Color is provided by red bracts (modified leaves) with the actual paler
flowers partly enclosed. The lower infloresence bracts
have one or more linear lobes. The identification of the various red-flowered species is confusing and
subject to revisions as more research is conducted.
LEAVES: The leaves usually show one or more linear lobes and are dark green.
RANGE: Often in rocky outcrops in canyons throughout much of the mountain west including Colorado
and California.
FRUIT: The fruit is a dry, two-valved capsule with many seeds.
UNARMED. Without thorns.
Orobanchaceae -- Broomrape Family
More Information:
- Southwest Environmental Information Network
- Southwest Colorado Wildflowers
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search