Indian Warrior

I see these flowers growing in patches by the side of the road, especially in the Pygmy forest. With sun-bronzed feathery leaves and deep red flowers, these patches are conspicuous mats of color amidst the gravel and grass.

Indan warrior (Pedicularis densiflora) are found all over the western states. They're root parasites (they can link up with other plants' roots to "borrow" nutrients and water) that specialize in shrubs in the heath family (Ericaceae - i.e. huckleberry, salal, manzanita), though they can also survive without using that technique.

As far as classification goes, it seems to be in transition. I'd always thought of these plants as being in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). But now the genus Pedicularis (AKA lousewort) has been moved, along with Castilleja (paintbrush), to the broomrape family (Orobanchaceae), a family of fellow root parasites.

The leaves of the plants growing in the shade remain green. The ones below are growing in the shade of huckleberry bushes.

And then there's this: Click here

These photos taken on April 23, on Rd. 409 near Caspar, Ca.