Castilleja linariifolia

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Castilleja linariifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Lamiales Family: Orobanchaceae Genus: Castilleja Species: C. linariifolia
Binomial name
Castilleja linariifolia Benth.

Castilleja linariifolia is a perennial plant, native to the United States and is the state flower of Wyoming. It has a number of common names including Wyoming Indian paintbrush, Narrow-leaved Indian paintbrush, desert paintbrush, Wyoming desert paintbrush, Wyoming paintbrush, linaria-leaved Indian Paintbrush, and Indian paint brush.^[1]

It grows up to 1 metre in height and has linear leaves which are between 20 and 80 mm in length and have up to 3 lobes.^[2] The flowers, which consist of a red to yellow calyx and yellow-green floral tube, appear in panicles or spikes between June and September in its native range.^[2]

Contents 1 Distribution 2 State flower 3 See also 4 References

[edit] Distribution

This species occurs on rocky slopes and arid plains and is associated with sagebrush scrub as well as pinyon pine or juniper woodland.^[2] It is native to Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.^[3]

[edit] State flower

When options were being considered for a state flower for Wyoming, Dr. Grace Raymond Hebard from the University of Wyoming promoted this species over rival candidates including the columbine and fringed gentian.^[1]

The State of Wyoming officially adopted the Indian paintbrush ("Castilleja linariaefolia") as the state flower of Wyoming on January 31, 1917.^[1][4]

[edit] See also

• List of U.S. state flowers

[edit] References