Indian paintbrush can be deceiving at first sight. The bright red coloration belongs not to the flowers, but to a leaf-like bract that is just below the actual flower. On the left middle and bottom portions of the photo you can actually see the tiny flower parts protruding from the red-tipped bracts.

The Indian paintbrush at Anderson Prairie was relocated from Rhodes France Scout Reservation from the only known wild population surviving in Christian County. A few younger plants were transplanted

to Anderson Prairie in hopes of establishing a second wild population.

Transplanting Indian paintbrush can be tricky because it relies on other plants to help it take up enough water and nurtients to survive. It is partially "parasitic," meaning its roots actually invade the roots of host plants where it borrows what it needs.

Only time will tell if we will be able to establish a second wild population. When in bloom, it was visible from the far end of the wildflower trail in early summer.