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Indian paintbrush

Castilleja miniata

Description:

commonly known as prairie-fire. The flowers of Indian paintbrush are edible, and were consumed in moderation by various Native American tribes as a condiment with other fresh greens. These plants have a tendency to absorb and concentrate selenium in their tissues from the soils in which they grow, and can be potentially very toxic if the roots or green parts of the plant are consumed. Highly alkaline soils increase the selenium levels in the plants. Indian paintbrush has similar health benefits to consuming garlic if only the flowers are eaten in small amounts and in moderation.

Notes:

Native to the west of the Americas from Alaska south to the Andes, northern Asia, and one species as far west as the Kola Peninsula in Siberia

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tibiprada
Spotted by
tibiprada

Washington, USA

Spotted on Aug 14, 2012
Submitted on Aug 19, 2012

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Indian Paintbrush Castilleja sp. Castilleja irasuensis Indian Paintbrush

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