Scarlet Paintbrush
Castilleja coccinea
Scarlet Paintbrush is a striking native wildflower with brilliant scarlet bracts that appear dipped in paint. As Wyoming's state flower, it creates vibrant displays in prairies and meadows across North America.
Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family, formerly Scrophulariaceae)
Spring to summer (April-July, varies by region)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: texas star hibiscuss and western wallflowers also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Scarlet Paintbrush is the state flower of Wyoming, adopted in 1917. Its common name comes from the appearance of the flower bracts, which look as if dipped in bright scarlet paint. Native American legend tells of a young brave who tried to paint a sunset but could not capture its colors. The Great Spirit took pity and transformed his paintbrushes into these brilliant flowers. The genus Castilleja is named for Spanish botanist Domingo Castillejo. Over 200 species exist, primarily in western North America.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun for best color and growth; tolerates partial shade with reduced flowering
Water
Prefers medium moisture; tolerates drier conditions once established but not waterlogged soils
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Medium moisture, Tolerates poor soils, Calcareous (alkaline) to acidic
Expert Growing Tips
Hemiparasitic plant that attaches roots to host plants (grasses, legumes) for nutrients
Best sown with host plant seeds (such as little bluestem grass)
Seeds benefit from cold stratification (60 days at 40°F)
Sow seeds in fall for natural stratification
Forms basal rosette first year, flowers second year, then dies
Self-seeds readily in suitable conditions
Difficult to transplant due to parasitic root connections
Purchase nursery-grown plants or grow from seed
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Prairie and wildflower meadows
- Native plant gardens
- Naturalized areas
- Mass plantings for color impact
- Pollinator gardens
- Rock gardens
Traditional Uses
- Native Americans used weak flower tea for rheumatism and other ailments
- Caution: plant may be toxic if consumed in large quantities
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Scarlet Paintbrush
Why is it called Indian Paintbrush?
Indian Paintbrush gets its name from the bright scarlet bracts that look as if they were dipped in red paint. Native American legends tell of a brave whose paintbrushes were transformed into these brilliant flowers by the Great Spirit.
Is Scarlet Paintbrush a parasitic plant?
Scarlet Paintbrush is hemiparasitic, meaning it can photosynthesize on its own but also attaches its roots to host plants (usually grasses) to obtain additional nutrients and water. This relationship helps it grow much more vigorously, up to 40 times larger than plants without hosts.
What are the colorful parts of Indian Paintbrush?
The showy scarlet parts are actually modified leaves called bracts, not petals. The true flowers are small, tubular, and pale yellow-green, mostly hidden inside the colorful bracts.
Can I transplant wild Indian Paintbrush to my garden?
Transplanting Indian Paintbrush usually kills it because it depends on specific root connections with host plants. It is best grown from seed sown alongside host grasses, or purchased as nursery-propagated plants.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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