We took an early evening hike around Iron Mountain in the Willamette National Forest (about 1 1/2 hours from our house). We had heard for years that the wildflowers around the 4th were fabulous, and we were not disappointed! After about a fifty minute hike from the trailhead toward Cone Peak, we feasted on a wildflower meadow of exquisite beauty.
This is an Indian Paintbrush in afternoon light.
Some background:
Castilleja is a genus of about 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants native to the west of the Americas from Alaska south to the Andes, as well as northeast Asia. (www.wikipedia.com)
The Paintbrush evoked the Native American legend of a young brave who tried to paint the sunset with his warpaints. Frustrated that he could not match the brilliance of nature, he ask for guidance from the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit gave him paintbrushes laden with the colors he so desired. With these, he painted his masterpiece and left the spent brushes in fields across the landscape. These brushes sprouted the flowers we now so wonderfully love! (http://www.intangibility.com/inw/Wildflowers/Indian-Paintbrush.html)
Indian Paintbrush is also the state flower of Wyoming.
(We didn't get back until almost 11 p.m. Thus why I did not post in time for yesterday)
1 comment:
Another gorgeous picture, Carol!
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