Indian paintbrush

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of Indian paintbrush

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Indian paintbrush

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 ● Sep. 17, 2023

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 ● Aug. 19, 2023

Hikes to Donut Falls and Albion Basin showcase lupine, Indian paintbrush and Rocky Mountain Columbine, which generally peak during mid-July’s Wasatch Wildflower Festival, when naturalists lead guided flower walks.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 10, 2022

Vivid blue-violet lupins, magenta fireweed, fragrant dark pink sweet peas and pale Indian paintbrush bloomed on the green ground.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 27, 2015

She came through green grass fields that bloomed with Indian paintbrush, red and orange, and blueeyed grass.

From "Sarah, Plain and Tall" by Patricia MacLachlan