For the field botanist, identification can be tricky as those species with overlapping geographical ranges easily hybridize, making it a mess for those figuring out the official distinctВ individual species. This can also be found in poinsettias (think Christmas!) andВ bougainvilleas where theВ bractsВ are the bright flowery partsВ whileВ the actual flowers are tiny andВ nondescript. A closer look will show tiny brightВ yellowish-green tubes вЂ“ often with the stamen sticking out from the endВ of these floral tubes. While what most of us consider to be the flower part of the Indian paintbrush plant, we are actually looking are the bracts which are nothing more than colored leaves near where the flowers are located. While being often variable in color from other species and sometimes its own species, they are not easily confused with other wildflowers, and are not easily forgotten. Plants and were thus named Indian PaintBrushs.One thing these plants do have in common is their general appearance. When done the young Indian left his used paintbrushes scattered around the landscape. On them which he used to create his painting. The Great Spirit provided him with paintbrushes with the beautiful colors Produce any colors that matched the beauty of a sunset. In the legend a young American Indian wanted to paint the sunset but became frustrated because he could not This plant got its name from a Native American legend. On Januthe linariifolia species of Indian PaintBrushs became the state flower of Wyoming.American Indians used this plant for various purposes including as a hair wash, to enhance their immune system, as a treatment for rheumatism, and to treat sexually transmitted diseases.They should not be eaten in areas where there is a lot of selenium in the soil. However if large amounts are consumed it can lead to health risk. Selenium is a trace mineral which is essential for humans to consume. However they should be consumed in moderation due to the fact theyДЄbsorb and concentrate selenium from the soil they grow in. American Indians used the flowers as condiments. The flowers of this plant are actually edible.Because it is difficult or impossible for an insect or bird to perch on the pedals of this plant pollination is accomplished only by insects and birds that can hover.However they are very difficult to successfully transplant into a garden. Their beautiful colors make them popular additions to gardens.Some of the species are annuals (survive one season) where as others are perennials (survive more than one season).For example the giant red paintbrush can be found in the temperate rainforest of the Pacific Numerous species of this plant can be found in temperate rainforests.The Indian PaintBrush also goes by the names Prairie Fire, Grandmothers Hair, Painted Cup, Common Red Paintbrush, Painted Lady, and Butterfly Weed.Their roots intertwine with other plants such as various grasses or sagebrush in order to obtain nourishment. These plants are hemiparasites which means they can be parasitic, using a host plant to survive.Sometimes their bracts can even be white. These bracts can also be various shades of orange, purple, and yellow. Most Indian PaintBrushs have beautiful bright red bracts which are often confused as being their flowers.These wildflowers are herbaceous plants (have a green leaf like appearance).Species: There are approximately two hundred species.This information was written for kids and adults alike.Д¬lick here for a great selection of books about temperate rainforests. In the information listed below you will find interesting information about Indian PaintBrushs, including where they grow and how they have adapted for survival in temperate rainforest. On this page of Temperate Rainforest Plant facts we provide Indian PaintBrush facts.

Indian paint brushes pictures