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

The area is home to San Bernardino flying squirrels and ash-gray Indian paintbrush, a federally protected plant found only in the San Bernardino Mountains.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

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

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

From Washington Post • Oct. 7, 2021

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