Castilleja linarifolia, June 7, 2022
Common & scientific name
Wyoming paintbrush, Castilleja linarifolia
Family
Broomrape, Orobanchaceae
Location
Roadside below winter gate, 8,400’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
One of five species of paintbrushes found on the Pass, Wyoming paintbrush (so named because it is the state flower of Wyoming) is found at the lowest elevations on the Pass. Typically this species is identified as a late summer flower, but not on the Pass. C. linarifolia is the tallest and skinniest paintbrush in appearance, due to its mostly linear leaves, and does not have the soft, fuzzy appearance of its red cousin, Castilleja miniata. It occasionally takes on varying shades of yellow and orange, likely through mutation.