Wyoming's state flower since 1917
Wyoming adopted the Indian paintbrush as its state flower on January 31, 1917. State references traditionally identify it as Castilleja linariifolia.
The color is not quite what it seems
The showy red or orange parts are bracts—modified leaves—surrounding much smaller flowers. Paintbrush species are also unusual because they can draw water and nutrients from neighboring plants through root connections.
Where the name takes us
That mix of landscape, color and close observation is the idea behind WyomingPaintbrush.com: begin with a Wyoming wildflower, then use the name as a doorway into the state's broader visual culture.
State-flower facts are based on official State of Wyoming and Wyoming Secretary of State references. For plant identification in the field, use a current regional botanical source.