Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja) is my signature flower for several reasons. It is a wildflower that grows in high country meadows in Montana, appearing around June of each year. The colors are deep reds, oranges, and sometimes yellows. I will make a pilgrimage to the Bridger Mountains in the Gallatin Valley each year to find a meadow full of red brush tips.
I graduated in '77, from, The Castilleja School, an all girl's school in Palo Alto, California. Our founder was, Mary Lockey, a woman from Helena, Montana, who obviously loved this wildflower from her home state.
Additionally, this little red flower is featured in many Montana art and craft designs -
Not only is it a wildflower, its also... red!
