Indian paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) Blooming from mid-May into June, Indian paintbrush (also known as painted cup) has several habitats, including mesic prairie, sand prairie and calcareous sand flats. Populations have greatly diminished in recent years, making Indian paintbrush extremely rare. video photo by Cynthia Gehrie It is believed that Indian paintbrush, a member of the snapdragon family, is semi-parasitic and requires specialized conditions to flourish and reproduce. photo by Todd Bannor The colorful “paint” is not the flower, but an extension of the leaves. photo by Tim Burke The actual flower is green-yellow, small and concealed. video photo by Cynthia Gehrie