giant red paintbrush

Also known as Greater Red Paintbrush, Scarlet Paintbrush, Miniate Paintbrush

Giant red paintbrush lights up subalpine meadows and stream banks across western North America with dense spikes of fiery crimson floral bracts. While its showy bracts steal the spotlight to attract hummingbird pollinators, its actual flowers are inconspicuous green tubes hidden within. As a hemiparasitic plant, it taps into the roots of neighboring grasses and shrubs to siphon water and vital nutrients, allowing it to flourish in high-altitude environments.