Indian paintbrush

or paintbrush

Any plant of the genus Castilleja in the broomrape family, (Orobanchaceae), which contains about 200 species of partially or wholly parasitic wildflowers that obtain nourishment from the roots of other plants. The small, tubular, two-lipped flowers are surrounded by brightly coloured upper leaves, giving the plant the appearance of having been dipped in a pot of red, orange, yellow, pink, or white paint.

Find more information on Indian paintbrush. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on Indian paintbrush.