Indian Paintbrush, sometimes called Prairie Fire, is blooming now and on into May. It is a member of the Figwort family and its genus Castilleja comes for a Spanish botanist, Juan Domingo Castillego who studied plants in Texas in the 1800s.
This plant is a parasitic plant as its roots tap into roots of other plants, mostly grasses, using them as a host for their nutrients. They are very striking when they are mixed among other wildflowers. They are often found in large colonies along roadsides and in pastures.
The flowers of this plant are edible and are very sweet to the taste. Native Americans used them as a condiment along with other greens. However, the green parts of the plant and roots are toxic. They also used the blooms in the washing of their hair, making hair glossy and full bodied. Plants were boiled and used to treat joint pain and to enhance the immune system.
"The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire."
Psalm 29:7 KJV
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