Indian Paintbrush
Indian paintbrush grow in forest clearings and grasslands across the Western and Southwestern United States and Canada. They are endangered in Canada and threatened in the United States. Numerous species of this plant can be found in temperate rainforests such as the giant red paintbrush found in the temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest United States.
Some of the species are annuals (survive one season) where, as others are perennials (survive more than one season). Because it is difficult or impossible for an insect or bird to perch on the pedals, pollination is accomplished only by insects and birds that can hover.
Plants are eaten by wild animals, trampled by hikers, and are picked by wildflower enthusiasts. The species has very high genetic diversity for a rare plant, a condition that makes it less likely to experience rapid extinction.
Conservation efforts are underway, especially attempts to increase populations by introducing and reintroducing plants to appropriate habitats, and carefully augmenting extant populations by planting more individuals. The plant has been reintroduced to its former range in the Willamette Valley in Oregon.
These populations will be monitored for the long term, hopefully over twenty years, to assess their health and status.
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