Scarlet Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata)
To remind us the value of passion and inspiration.
This beautiful native wildflower can be found at high elevations of the Rocky Mountains. It has medicinal uses as a blood purifier and has been used for external wounds. When I see them, I am reminded of the necessity of community; while these flowers provide much needed support to the critters that use them, they are also in need of support themselves. Scarlet paintbrush are hemiparasitic; they require another plant nearby for it's nutrients and water (if you put it in a pot of soil alone, it will perish).