STORY BEHIND THE ART OF LYNNE RAILSBACK
Weird, Wild, & Wonderful
Second New York Botanical Garden Triennial Exhibition
2014 - 2016
Squaw Root
Conopholis Americana
I first noticed this specimen three years ago along the shore path of Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, where I walk and look for unique plants. I thought I was seeing pinecones below the oak tree until I was unable to pick one up. Upon closer look, what I thought were scales of a pine cone were actually more rounded cream colored pods with brown casings. Not knowing what it was, I photographed it and sent it on to a botanist who helps me identify plants. Learning what it was, Squaw Root, allowed me to research the plant, which made it even more interesting:
The Squaw Root, Conopholis Americana, is a member of the Broomrape, Orobanchaceae, family. The name is attributed to its use by Native Americans to relieve symptoms of female ailments, and it is considered to have other medicinal properties as well. Because members of the Broomrape family contain no chlorophyll, they are parasites, requiring a host plant to survive. The decaying roots of oak trees provide the Squaw Root its nourishment. Since the extractions are minor, the trees are not seriously harmed. The Squaw Root itself, however, is threatened in New Hampshire, vulnerable in New York and of special concern in Rhode Island.
I thought it so unusual that I was eager to paint it. My first attempt was done on white Bristol. The contrast between the background and the decaying materials was much too artificial looking. Next I selected a honey colored vellum with imperfections and textures which better suited the subject. When the “Weird, Wild and Wonderful Exhibition” was announced, I thought my “Squaw Root” would be perfect! I was sure not many of our members had ever seen my specimen, much less would be interested in representing a dried up looking object surrounded by decaying leaves. Although the painting represents the Squaw Root in late spring after the cream colored flowers have withered, I’ll be anxious to find it again next year to paint it in an earlier season.
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Read more about this artist's work: 16th Annual International