Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Species: Rose Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.)
Habitat: Subalpine to Alpine Tundra
Location: Pecos Baldy Lake, New Mexico
Public Land: Santa Fe National Forest, Pecos Wilderness
Description: Blushing rose against the windswept tundra, this alpine paintbrush—likely Castilleja haydenii—is one of two species found in the high mountains of the Southwest. Like many alpine wildflowers, it faces an uncertain future as climate change rapidly warms these fragile ecosystems. Paintbrushes are remarkable for their survival strategy: partial parasites, their roots seek out and connect with those of nearby plants, drawing shared nutrients from their hosts. This intricate relationship makes them nearly impossible to transplant, reminding us how deeply wildflowers are woven into the fabric of their native landscapes.
To read a lovely story about how paintbrush flowers came to be and a discussion on plant names check out my Substack post.
Prints: Fine art print on acid free, 100% cotton, bright or warm white, textured surface, archival quality paper. For more about papers I use click here.
Contact me if you are interested in combining this a Rose Paintbrush print with prints of Giant Red Paintbrush and Sulphur Paintbrush for a lovely triptych.
Species: Rose Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.)
Habitat: Subalpine to Alpine Tundra
Location: Pecos Baldy Lake, New Mexico
Public Land: Santa Fe National Forest, Pecos Wilderness
Description: Blushing rose against the windswept tundra, this alpine paintbrush—likely Castilleja haydenii—is one of two species found in the high mountains of the Southwest. Like many alpine wildflowers, it faces an uncertain future as climate change rapidly warms these fragile ecosystems. Paintbrushes are remarkable for their survival strategy: partial parasites, their roots seek out and connect with those of nearby plants, drawing shared nutrients from their hosts. This intricate relationship makes them nearly impossible to transplant, reminding us how deeply wildflowers are woven into the fabric of their native landscapes.
To read a lovely story about how paintbrush flowers came to be and a discussion on plant names check out my Substack post.
Prints: Fine art print on acid free, 100% cotton, bright or warm white, textured surface, archival quality paper. For more about papers I use click here.
Contact me if you are interested in combining this a Rose Paintbrush print with prints of Giant Red Paintbrush and Sulphur Paintbrush for a lovely triptych.