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Castilleja cryptantha

Mount Rainier Paintbrush

Mount Rainier Paintbrush
aka Obscure Paintbrush. Of the five paintbrushes found in the Park this is the least showy. The flowers are well hidden by the bracts hence its “obscure” nature. The bracts have three pointed lobes and are an undescriptive greenish color to purplish as shown here. It reaches 4″ – 6″ (10 – 15 cm) in height. Thought to be endemic to MRNP but found in an area slightly to the east of the park boundary. Listed as a “species of concern.” Found sparingly in subalpine meadows on the north side of the Park.

Family:

Orobanchaceae - BROOM-RAPE FAMILY

Genus:

Castilleja after Don Domingo Castillejo, 18th-century Spanish botanist

Species:

cryptantha from Greek krypto 'to hide','hidden' and anthos 'flower'
Photo location: From multiple locations on several occasions in July/August. General areas include Grand Park, Sourdough Ridge Trail near Frozen Lake, meadow off the Sunrise Rim Trial, and near Clover Lake.