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Wyoming Indian paintbrush

Scientific Name: Castilleja linariifolia

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Wyoming Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia)

Common Names

  • Wyoming Indian Paintbrush
  • Narrow-leaved Indian Paintbrush
  • Desert Paintbrush
  • Wyoming Desert Paintbrush
  • Linaria-leaved Indian Paintbrush
  • Wyoming Paintbrush
  • Narrowleaf Paintbrush
  • Linearleaf Paintbrush
  • Painted Cup
  • Prairie-fire

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Castilleja linariifolia Benth.
  • Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Western America and North East Asia.
  • Specifically found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Nevada.
  • Grows in dry plains and hills.

Morphology and Growth

  • Grayish-green, pubescent perennial.
  • Features several leafy stems that can grow up to 30 inches tall.
  • Linear leaves subtend the torch-like flowers.

Quirky Facts

  • The Castilleja linariifolia species was adopted as the state flower of Wyoming on January 31, 1917.
  • The selection of the Indian Paintbrush as the Wyoming state flower faced initial opposition within the Wyoming Legislature.
  • American Indians in Utah may have used the plant as a blood purifier.
  • The seeds of the Indian Paintbrush usually germinate in the fall and bloom the next spring.

Resources and Further Information

  • Wyoming Library Association
  • Wyoming State Reading Council