Giant red Indian paintbrush, Great red indian-paintbrush, Meadow paintbrush
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
An erect perennial,
from 1 1/2-3 ft. tall, with stems either unbranched or somewhat branched above. The flower
cluster of this leafy plant resembles a ragged, crimson or scarlet paintbrush, calyx
and bracts beneath each flower
brightly colored. Leaves are lance-shaped and the torch-like flower spike
is made up of vibrant orange, red or pink bracts and sepals
hiding the small, green flowers.
Most Indian paintbrushes are partial parasites on other plants, their roots establishing connections with roots of other species. For this reason, they usually cannot be transplanted, and are difficult to grow from seed.
Image Gallery: 20 photo(s) available
Plant CharacteristicsDuration: Perennial Habit: Herb Flower:
Fruit: Size Class:
Bloom InformationBloom Color: Red , Pink , Orange
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
, WY Canada: AB
, SK Native Distribution: AK
e. to the Rockies Native Habitat:
Wet mt. meadows and stream banks below 11,000 ft.
Growing ConditionsLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
Soil Description: Wet to moist, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Roots grow until they touch the roots of other plants, frequently grasses, then penetrate the roots of these host plants, obtaining a portion of their nutrients. Transplanting paintbrush usually kills it.