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Indian Paintbrush; Castilleja indivisa
Photo by Kim Shannon
This plant is an annual from the Figwort or Snapdragon family (Scrophulariacea) that is found most often in sandy soils. It is characterized by its unbranched stem that is topped with a spike of colorful, salmon-colored bracts (modified leaves) that surround small and inconspicuous tubular flowers. This species of paintbrush is a semi-parasite that’s roots are dependent on other prairie plants, especially grasses.