Indian paintbrush

noun

1. any of several semiparasitic plants belonging to the genus Castilleja, of the figwort family, as C. linariaefolia, of the western U.S.: the state flower of Wyoming.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Indian paintbrush¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

The federally endangered Bear Valley sandwort, Ash-gray Indian paintbrush, and southern mountain wild-buckwheat are no match for the cascading impacts of soil disturbances caused by burros on the move.

From Los Angeles Times

Mid-July is still springtime at this elevation and a rich palette of Indian paintbrush, creamy white daisies, magenta fireweed and blue-green grass laced the roadside.

From Seattle Times

It perches on the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, and visitors to the park can look for bush sunflowers, Indian paintbrush, sea dahlias and more.

From New York Times

As snow melts in the mountains, meadows come alive with a rainbow of wildflowers like lupine, beargrass and Indian paintbrush.

From Seattle Times

Above the meadow strewn with Indian paintbrush flowers, the constellations seemed to swirl together in a swallowing immensity.

From Washington Post