Cool & Dangerous Facts About Wyoming's State Flower

Wyoming’s state flower is the Indian paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia), adopted by the state legislature in 1917. Also known as the Wyoming paintbrush or prairie fire, this striking wildflower features brilliant red to yellow-green blooms and is famous for growing wild across the state's rugged landscape.

Indian paintbrush is a versatile wildflower historically used by Native American tribes for medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic purposes, often recognized by its vibrant red, orange, or yellow bracts. The plant is known for its ability to absorb selenium from the soil, which made it powerful in traditional medicine but also potentially toxic.

Many Native American tribes used the Indian paintbrush for hair care.

It can be used for hair care. Various tribes, including the Chippewa, used the plant as a hair wash to make hair glossy and full-bodied. It was also soaked in grease to create a hair oil.

The Indian paintbrush has also been used for medicinal purposes.

The flower has medicinal properties. The plant was used to treat rheumatism, as a tea to treat skin issues, and as a decoction to address cold symptoms.

It is even thought to have reproductive health uses. Some tribes used it to manage menstrual flow and as a contraceptive.

It was utilized as a treatment for open wounds.

Fun fact: the Indian paintbrush is edible.

It is edible. The flowers are sweet when fresh and were consumed in moderation as a condiment with other greens. However, while parts of the plant are edible, the green parts can be toxic, and high levels of selenium absorption can make the plant hazardous if ingested in large quantities.