Wyoming State Flower: Indian Paintbrush

State Flowers 2 Minutes

Native to the American Southwest, Indian paintbrush (Castilleja spp.) colors a meadow or woodland garden with showy clusters of red-orange leaves (aka bracts) in late spring or early summer. The colorful bracts, which resemble paintbrushes dipped in paint, mask the plant’s actual flowers. These small blossoms are vital for setting seed, of course, but are otherwise unremarkable. Indian paintbrush (also called desert Indian paintbrush) is known to be slightly unpredictable. Some years the foliage will be brilliantly colored, and other years it will be muted. Accept this unpredictability as part of the plant’s charm.  

A symbiotic plant, Indian paintbrush grows best when planted where its root system can tap into the root system of a host plant to obtain nutrients. The host plant is rarely harmed by the relationship, and Indian paintbrush thrives. Good host plants include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), beardtongue (Penstemon), and blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium).

The leaves and roots of Indian paintbrush can be toxic to humans and livestock.

Where to Plant Indian Paintbrush

Wild Indian paintbrush thrives in sandy soil, sagebrush plains, grassland, and semidesert locations up to 9,500 feet. That’s why it’s best suited for naturalized areas and prairie pockets alongside other native plants rather than manicured gardens.

How and When to Plant Indian Paintbrush

Seeding is the best way to plant Indian paintbrush because container-grown plants are difficult to transplant. Seed Indian paintbrush in late summer in sandy, well-drained soil. Be patient; the seeds may take a few months to germinate; they need a period of cold stratification first. If the seed is pre-stratified, sow it in early spring.

Expect the young biennial plants to unfurl a low-growing rosette of foliage during that first growing season. Colorful bracts appear in spring or early summer of the second growing season, followed by seeds in the fall. The plant will die shortly after setting the seed that will become a new generation of Indian paintbrush.

Types of Indian Paintbrush

Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush

Wholeleaf Indian paintbrush (Castilleja integra) is one of the larger varieties of Indian paintbrush. It typically stands 6-18 inches tall but can grow to as much as 36 inches. “Whole” in the name refers to the fact that the leaves don’t have the division seen in many Indian paintbrush plants. Zones 4-10

Texas Indian Paintbrush

Texas Indian paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa) is native to Texas, grows 12-18 inches high, and is topped by bright red spikes. A yellow or white variation sometimes occurs. It’s not easy to cultivate, but the spectacular flowers make it worth the effort. Zones 4-8

Scarlet Painted Cup Indian Paintbrush

Indian paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea), also called scarlet painted cup for its attractive spikes, is present primarily in the Eastern states. Like other Indian paintbrushes, it is popular with bees and hummingbirds. Zones 4-9

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Published by pat frederick

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79 thoughts on “Wyoming State Flower: Indian Paintbrush”

    1. Good morning, Pat! 40 here this morning – the real cold is supposed to set in tonight w/a high only in the 20’s tomorrow – but then the temps rise again into the mid-30’s. Wheezer is sleeping on the chair – he ate most of the dry food overnight so he’s not especially hungry for the tuna yet. They just said on Fox that some areas of NY state got over a foot of snow!

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      1. Good Morning Filly!

        wow! we didn’t get our predicted 3-5 but we got more ice than they said. I tried to scrape some of it off the deck to get to the railings, but I merely took off the top inch or two–it left a thick coating on the deck itself. hubby says it might…MIGHT…get to near 40 today and tomorrow–hopefully to get rid of this crap and then back down to the 20’s and 10’s.

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  3. 🇺🇸RealRobert🇺🇸
    @Real_RobN
    Here it is:

    The President of the United States drops a bomb 🔥🔥

    “Thousands of additional documents are coming.”

    “This was treason. The leader of the gang was Barack Hussein Obama. He is guilty.”

    “They tried to steal an election. They tried to obfuscate the election. They tried to overthrow the United States government.”

    “We have all of the documents. And from what Tulsi told me, she’s got thousands of additional documents coming.”

    Barack Hussein Obama:
    CIA Director John Brennan; DNI James Clapper; FBI Director James Comey; FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe; Hillary Clinton; Susan Rice; Loretta Lynch; Sally Yates; Lisa Monaco; Adam Schiff; Peter did Lisa; Lisa did Peter ; Bruce Whore ; Nellie Whorer; Robert Mueller; Rod Rosenstein; Andrew Weissmann; Valerie Jarrett; Ben Rhodes; John Carlin; Mary McCord; James Baker; Jonathan Moffa; Michael Kortan; David Laufman; Samantha Power; John Kerry; Denis McDonough; Jim Rybicki; Bill Priestap; Christopher Steele; Richard Dearlove; Alexander Downer; Stefan Halper; Josef Mifsud; Sergey Millian; Sidney Blumenthal; Cody Shearer; Terry McAuliffe; Jonathan Winer; John Podesta; Huma Abedin; Anthony Weiner; Cheryl Mills; Heather Samuelson; Jake Sullivan; Robby Mook; Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Peter Kadzik; Rachel Brand; Matthew Axelrod; Mary Jacoby; Preet Bharara; Josh Campbell; Jennifer Palmieri; Sir Andrew Wood; Robert Hannigan; Alexandra Chalupa; Michael Sussmann; Dmitri Alperovitch; and officials from the DNC, CrowdStrike, and Fusion GPS, including Glenn Simpson,

    and Perkins Coie, including Marc Elias, “manufactured” the Russian collusion conspiracy hoax—a seditious conspiracy with the sole intent to topple the United States government during the 2016 presidential election. And Christopher Wray.

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  4. “Democrats Launch Lawsuit To Continue Child Genital Mutilations”

    Libs of TikTok, Dec 26, 2025

    “For years, Democrats and the mainstream media have attempted to gaslight the American people into believing that healthcare providers across the country were NOT chemically and surgically castrating children in the name of gender ideology.

    They would even go as far as to write hit-pieces attacking Libs of TikTok’s reporting, denying that hospitals were performing these destructive genital mutilations on children. In some articles, such as this hit-piece from Cincinnati.com, they would even ADMIT that the doctor’s bio states she performs “medical care for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth from age 4 to their 25th birthday.”

    As with all Democrat lies, the truth is always revealed, which causes Democrats to have a collective meltdown. Their meltdown began with multiple Democratic lawmakers, such as Becca Balint, Delia Ramirez, and Ayanna Pressley, taking to the floor to protest the bill, claiming that mutilating children is “safe and effective,” “life-saving,” and just like a broken arm.

    Despite their complaining, the House of Representatives passed a major bill that BANS the genital mutilation of children. Nearly EVERY Democrat opposed the bill.

    Image

    To add more fuel to their fake outrage, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. announced new actions to enforce Trump’s Executive Orders and put an end to the mutilation of children.

    And now, 20 Democratic Attorney Generals are SUING the Trump admin over the new restrictions for child sex changes.

    Image

    First, the Democrats claimed it “wasn’t happening.” Then, they claimed it might be happening, but it’s “rare.” Next, they admit it is happening, but it’s a GOOD thing. Finally, they demand that it keep happening and are suing the federal government to get MORE of it.

    Democrats and the media can no longer run from the truth. Not only do they want to push radical transgenderism on children, but they also want to allow doctors to cut off perfectly healthy body parts and inject kids with experimental drugs. Democrats are perverted, demonic freaks.

    Libs of TikTok won’t stop fighting back against radical gender ideology until it has been completely eradicated from our society. With your support, we will keep exposing these radical Democrats who seek to harm your children.

    Children MUST be protected. Have a great weekend!” – LoTT Team

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  5. Just The News: “Kennedy Center President Ric Grenell warned musician Chuck Redd on Friday that he would be seeking $1 million in damages after the venue had to cancel its Christmas Eve jazz concert at the last minute because the host pulled out.

    Redd, who was scheduled to be the host of the annual concert, said he was canceling his appearance on Wednesday because the board decided to rename the landmark as “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”

    Grenell blasted Redd for his “partisan political” move in a letter, claiming it was “classic intolerance [that was] very costly to a non-profit arts institution,” according to the Associated Press.

    “Regrettably, your action surrenders to the sad bullying tactics employed by certain elements on the left, who have sought to intimidate artists into boycotting performances at our national cultural center,” Grenell wrote. “Your dismal ticket sales and lack of donor support, combined with your last-minute cancellation has cost us considerably. This is your official notice that we will seek $1 million in damages from you for this political stunt.”

    Grenell highlighted some of the success the center has seen under its new leadership, stating that before President Donald Trump got involved, the center was bound for “severe deterioration, with recommendations for full demolition and rebuild.”

    The venue’s president also claimed that ticket sales for jazz performances at the center have largely been good, but that Redd’s concert was not filling up as it should have. 

    “This institution remains dedicated to excellence and accessibility for generations to come, and we will not yield to the pressure tactics being directed at us from political performers on our stages,” he wrote. “True artists perform for everyone regardless of the political affiliation of audience members.”

    Redd has not yet commented on the letter.”

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  6. Just The News: “America250, the organization responsible for planning events to honor the United States’ 250th anniversary, announced Friday that there will be an unprecedented ball drop in Times Square in July to celebrate the country’s birthday. 

    The ball drop will take place at the One Times Square building in New York City, and the new drop is in partnership with the Times Square Alliance. The iconic moment will mark the first time the ball has dropped outside of New Years Eve.

    America250 said there will also be an unexpected second celebration just after the country rings in the new year next week, which will take place at approximately 12:04 a.m. Eastern. The second celebration will see the ball lit up in red, white and blue and rise above the 2026 sign to prepare for the July 3 drop. 

    “One Times Square has long been a place where the world comes together to celebrate pivotal moments — from the end of World War II to the moon landing,” Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown, the owner and operator of One Times Square, said. “We’re proud to serve as the starting point of this historic year, showcasing the nation’s celebration on a global stage.”

    The New Year’s celebration will also showcase a video that officially marks the start of the country’s 250th anniversary.

    “Every year in Times Square on New Year’s Eve we unite the crowds cheering in the streets with the millions of people around the country and the world to celebrate one of the most iconic moments together as one,” Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance, said. “It’s perfect that this moment will be in partnership with America250 and the very first moment of a year’s worth of moments to celebrate our country’s 250 great years.”

    Other events next year include a “Great American State Fair” that will feature exhibits from all 50 states on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10 and an Ultimate Fighting Championship event that will take place at the White House in June.”

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  7. Just The News: “President Donald Trump ranted Friday about the Justice Department continuing to find more documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which they are obligated to release to the public after vetting. The social media post comes after the Justice Department reported that it found 1,000,000 documents related to its decades-long investigation, which it is still in the process of reviewing. 

    Trump claimed that the public focus on Epstein and his victims is distracting from other critical duties that the department is supposed to be carrying out, including investigations into reports of election fraud. 

    “DOJ is being forced to spend all of its time on this Democrat inspired Hoax,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “When do they say NO MORE, and work on Election Fraud etc. The Dems are the ones who worked with Epstein, not the Republicans. Release all of their names, embarrass them, and get back to helping our Country! 

    “The Radical Left doesn’t want people talking about Trump and Republican success, only a long ago dead Jeffrey Epstein,” he continued. “Just another witch hunt.” 

    The comment comes after Congress passed a law last month, which the president signed, that compelled the department to release all the Epstein Files by Dec. 19. However, the DOJ warned it could take a few more weeks before it’s finished releasing all documents. 

    The documents that have been publicly released so far, can be found here.” 

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  11. Just The News: “Russian forces launched a large-scale barrage of missiles and drones against Ukraine’s capital early Saturday, killing at least one civilian and injuring dozens as explosions rocked the city for hours just one day before high-level talks between Ukraine and the United States. 

    The overnight assault targeted multiple districts across Kyiv, including residential areas and critical energy infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said. Emergency crews responded to fires and collapsed buildings, with more than 20 people reported wounded, among them children, and extensive damage to power and heating systems amid freezing winter conditions, AP News reported.

    Ukraine’s leadership condemned the attack as a stark reminder of Russia’s campaign of pressure on civilian life, even as diplomatic efforts continue. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of choosing violence over dialogue, while noting that talks with U.S. counterparts were scheduled to begin Saturday in Florida to discuss security guarantees, territorial disputes and a proposed peace framework, according to AP News.

    The Russian Defense Ministry described the operation as a “massive strike,” saying it involved long-range precision weapons, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, and claimed it targeted military-industrial facilities and infrastructure used by Ukrainian armed forces.”

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  18. Chris Hyde

    December 27, 2025 4:57 am

    Special status for “emerging adults” who are now 39 convicted murderers emerging from prison thanks to Massachusetts parole board. If one has committed a murder at the ages of 18-20, judicial punishment is a moot point: get out of jail free card.

    Good grief.

    https://gatesofvienna.net/2025/12/gates-of-vienna-news-feed-12-26-2025/#703696

    Massachusetts Officials Release 39 Convicted Murderers Who Were Sentenced to Life Without Parole

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      1. Yep: “The suspect, a 24-year-old man, pushed the officer to the pavement, took control of her vehicle, and fled. Authorities pursued the stolen cruiser northbound on I-5 before it turned southbound in Lynnwood, where a PIT maneuver ended the chase and the suspect was taken into custody.”

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  30. Harrison

    December 27, 2025 10:48 am

    This is another example of pure insanity and propaganda. It also shows the effect of PDJT’s executive orders causing the review of all visas – which in India’s case might just take a year or two…

    Hilarious the way he states that citizens of his country are stranded in his country and the country of their birth. Sorry bub, you can’t be “stranded” when you are at home. Further, they have no right to enter our country and are frankly unwanted.

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  34. talked to mom later today since I didn’t catch her before she went to lunch.

    she said she forgot to ask my sister in law to look at that “thing” that was left in her room with the other shower things, so we have to wait till they visit again…lol

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  35. “The Stanga Palace door, a masterpiece of the Lombard Renaissance architecture now in the Louvre, has been restored. Another extraordinary entrance.

    It was built in 1490 (note: two years before Columbus sailed the ocean blue for India, but finding America instead) for the Palazzo Stanga di Castelnuovo in Cremona, a massive structure over 23 feet high inspired by the triumphal arches of antiquity. It is decorated with mythological iconography, primarily scenes and characters from the stories of Hercules and Perseus. Under the half columns are depictions of four of the Labors of Hercules — Antaeus, the Lernaean Hydra, the Nemean Lion, and the Stymphalian Birds. 

    The seven heads of the Hydra are figures in a medallion in the center of the portal. The three heads of the Gorgons and the head of Pegasus are in a medallion on the right. Hercules wielding his club is one side; Perseus in armor is on the other. Above the arch on the entablature are reliefs of battles alternating with busts of Roman emperors. Scrolling foliage and fantastical animals intertwine squeeze in between the main scenes.

    The design is attributed to Milanese sculptor Giovanni Pietro da Rho who was active in Cremona between 1480 and 1508. First built by Marquis Cristoforo Stanga, faithful adherent of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the first duke of Milan, in the early 18th century it was bought by Scipione I de’ Rossi, who restructured the palace in Baroque style. 

    In 1870, the palace was sold to an engineer who completely rebuilt the façade, dismantling da Rho’s monumental portal. He sold the whole thing to an antiquarian banker from Marseilles in 1875, and the banker then sold it to the Louvre for twice what he paid for it. Score!”

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  40. “In 1971, A Cement Truck Crashed Near Winganon, Oklahoma. The Mixer Was Too Heavy To Move So They Left It. The Locals Have Since Repainted It To Look Like A NASA Space Capsule”

    NASA space capsule replica resting in a grassy roadside ditch beside a small American flag and trees in daylight

    Liked by 1 person

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  41. An eagle’s claw compared to human hand….

    A reminder to wear your helmet….

    Epic Halloween costume….

    This is how a bison looks at 35 below zero….

    A bison covered in frost and ice, showcasing an interesting natural phenomenon in cold weather.

    Not sure if I should cook him or ask him what happened first….

    Uniquely shaped bell pepper with green and orange colors standing on a wooden surface, showcasing interesting natural variation.

    Liked by 1 person

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  42. Dustin Grage
    @GrageDustin
    People need to understand this…

    In Minnesota, you don’t even need an empty building that doesn’t serve a single client to fleece millions from taxpayers.

    All you need is a PO Box.

    An empty parking lot works too, because the government rarely, if ever, does site visits to verify anything.

    And if you do get caught, a judge might still toss out a unanimous jury conviction.

    That’s how deep the fraud runs here. Anyone willing to do the footwork can expose it.

    I encourage all of you to look into it yourselves, because Tim Walz’s DHS clearly isn’t going to.

    Liked by 1 person

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  43. reading more and more article exposing somali fraud all over the place. there are day cares –black paper on the windows –neighbors says NO CHILDREN are ever seen going in or out for YEARS!–they should be inspected at least yearly–for cleanliness, for access, for a ton of other reasons–none have ever been inspected or AUDITED! years and years this has gone on.

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