Montello Foundation is a foundation dedicated to support artists who foster
our understanding of nature, its fragility and our need to protect it.

Indian Paintbrush

The Desert Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata, Castilleja) is one the most glamorous of all the plants growing in Northeast Nevada with its fiery orange petals, which are even the basis of a Native American legend.  The legend tells the story of a young brave boy who tries to paint the sunset with his warpaints. Frustrated that he could not match the brilliance of nature, he asks the Great Spirit for guidance. The Great Spirit then gives him paintbrushes laden with the colors he so desired. With these, he paints his masterpiece and upon its completion, he leaves his used brushes in the fields.  These discarded paint brushes are what we know today as the Desert Paintbrush plant.