Indian Paintbrush

The Indian Paintbrush is a type of wildflower from Colorado. Other known as the Prairie Fire. The flower is in a cup-like shape; normally the flower is red and orange color. The Prairie Fire naturally grows in arid and sandy deserts. The Prairie Fire typically grows to be 12 to 20 inches. The flower has over 200 variations of species. The wildflower origin is of North and South America and North Asia. 

The Indian Paintbrush is the state flower of Wyoming. The petals of the flower can be crushed into a paint-like substance. The top of the plant is the petals, the petals resemble a bush. The Prairie Fire attracts hummingbirds and is a major pollinator. The Indian Paintbrush was used as a dye in the past.

This flower blooms between the months of May and September. Prairie Fire has a lifespan of 1 year, in some cases of 2 years. Indian Paintbrush is a parasitic plant. By growing near the Lupine and Sagebrush. The Lupine produces alkaloids that have a bitter taste. Therefore, preventing any herbivores from eating the plant. When the Indian Paintbrush grows near the Lupine it absorbs some of the alkaloids so it also prevents herbivores from eating it. 

This link from the U.S. Forest Service Plant of the Week

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/Castilleja-coccinea.shtml