Product Review

Indian Paintbrush, one of the most well-known and loved wildflowers, grows over much of the western United States. Nearly 150 different varieties of this species exist, one of which has been named Wyoming's official state flower. This species was first described for scientific records in 1825 by noted German botanist Kurt Sprengel. Indian Paintbrush is classified as hemiparasitic, meaning that it relies on the roots of nearby plants to receive some of the nutrients it needs; this does not harm other plants. Indian Paintbrush itself is a host plant for several species of butterflies in the Checkerspot family. Its stunning scarlet "flowers," actually bracts that hide the inconspicuous true flowers, inspired their common name because they appear to be dipped in paint. The genus name Coccinea means "scarlet."