Indian Paintbrush
NEW MEXICO
This little, adaptable and colorful plant is found throughout the eastern US and lower alpine zones where the ground temperature is not frozen (Castilleja coccinea).
Due to its adaptability, it is also found in the mountains of the west and this corner of Northern New Mexico. It can have different colors- yellow, orange and red, due to the mineral composition of the soils and the resulting selenium in the plant. The plant has a definite ethnobotany, being used by Native Americans for rheumatism and hair shine.
I found that it glows with red light at sunset, in the dry southwestern air.
Leica v-lux, digital
