Indian Paintbrush

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Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja) are a genus of native plants in the figwort family, and over one hundred species are native to North America.

While they do flower, their colorful appearance is due largely to their bracts, or specialized leaves that come in a variety of colors from shades of red, yellow, orange and magenta.

Fields of Indian Paintbrush are attractive to a variety of butterfly and hummingbird species. Unfortunately, their roots are parasitic on other plants, making them a poor choice for a cultivated garden.

Wyoming calls the Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja linariaefolia) its official state flower.

© 2005-2009 Patricia A. Michaels