![]() ![]() Paintbrush species, as well as some other genera in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), have a unique biology known as hemi-parasitism. The rich, brilliant, prolonged color of these species is one reason why they are some of the most desired native species for the home landscape, yet they are not widely available for sale as container plants because of their interesting biology. Because the floral bracts make up most of the color, they tend to remain showy for several weeks through the growing season. It is not unusual to find a single flower with up to 3 contrasting colors on the showy bracts. The flower and bract color, even within a single species, can range wildly across the color palette from rich reds, scarlet, and fuchsia to orange, salmon, pink, yellow, and cream. Both insects and hummingbirds are attracted to these plants and serve as pollinators. Indian paintbrush is appropriately named as the bracts graduate in color from green leafy stems to the brightly colored tops of the inflorescence, thus giving the appearance that the tops of the plants have been dipped in paint. The inflorescence is a short or elongate terminal spike bearing tubular-shaped flowers that are subtended by numerous colorful bracts. They are found in a wide range of habitats, ranging from low elevation wetlands and riparian areas to dry grasslands, steppe-shrub communities, and rocky slopes to mid- to high elevation mountain meadows and slopes. There are more than 150 species and many freely hybridize with one another in areas where their ranges overlap. The majority of species grow in the West, but a few species occur in the central portion of the US. ) is a vibrant, beautiful genus of annual, biennial, and perennial wildflowers that are found exclusively in North America. ![]()
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