Owls-clover (Castilleja exserta) is a characteristic spring annual in grasslands in California.  It is semi-parasitic, but does have green leaves (unlike some completely parasitic plants).   These were growing on the Santa Rosa Plateau near Temecula.

• Canon 1D3, Tamron 180 mm macro lens, ringflash, or (above center) Canon 24 mm T/S lens with extension tube (2008)