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 brilliant red color of the Indian Paintbrush is furnished mainly by the upper leaves.

From Project Gutenberg