The root-leaves are oblong, seldom notched; on the stalk the lowest leaves are narrow, while above they are wedge-shaped and generally deeply cleft into 3 lobes; the margins are entire, and the surface is hairy. In color a light clear green; the ends of the upper leaves and those which supports the flowers look as though they had been dipped in a scarlet dye. The leaves all sit immediately upon the stalk; they are placed alternately, and at some distance apart, but more crowded among the flowers.
The small corolla of the flower is tubular and 2-lipped, yellow and green in color; it is almost concealed within the long cylindrical 2-cleft calyx, which is colored a clear light green with a scarlet margin. The long curving pistil is green tinted. The flowers are set in the clasp of the upper leaves, and form a close terminal cluster.
Quite eclipsed by the gorgeous hues of the floral leaves and calices, the paler flower hides its head, its long pistil alone claiming attention. The exact marking of the vivid scarlet upon the tips makes the folk-name “Paintbrush” more applicable to its general aspect, than that of “Painted Cup,” which of course only applies to the effect of the single calyx. In some localities the color is not scarlet, but yellow, it is reported. The plant is called a parasite by the botanists: it therefore may not be transplanted but glows in splendid patches of color in favorite camps of its own choosing.
INDIAN PAINT-BRUSH: Castilleia coccinea.
| Thyme-leaved Speedwell. | Veronica serpyllifolia. |
| Paul’s Betony. |
Found, from May to July, in grassy fields, and along roadsides.
Many branches, varying from 3 to 7 inches in length, spring from the root, and lie on the ground (sometimes rooting so), their tips lifted erect among the grass blades; its growth is slender, leafy, firm of fibre, and smooth. Color green.
The small leaf is oval, with an entire, or slightly irregular, margin, prominent midrib, and smooth surface. In color, a cool green; the leaves, on short stems, are placed in pairs, near together,—at the end of the branch they become crowded.
The corolla is small, and resembles that of the Brooklime; delicate in texture and in color pure white, or streaked with lavender, or blue. The points of the 4-parted green calyx just show between the lobes of the flower. The two stamens are lavender tipped. The flowers, on small foot-stems, spring from the angles of the leaves for a considerable distance along the ends of the branches.