Texas Paintbrush

There are many things that are symbolic of Texas.  The Alamo, Bluebonnets, the Texas Longhorn, the Lonestar Flag and even Shiner Beer, but one that is often overlooked is the Texas Paintbrush, one of the beautiful flowers that grace the roadsides and meadows of the state.  We can thank Lady Bird Johnson for that.

Another name for it is the Indian Paintbrush.  Sometimes I wonder if legends that have been attributed to native tribes are simply made up by modern authors seeking creative ways to tell a story, but the legend of the Indian Paintbrush surrounds the desire of a young boy to paint the sunset.

I love a good sunset as much as anyone else, but I also know that the vivid colors which we so admire are the result of the refraction of light from the setting sun among particulate matter suspended in the air.  A good old Texas dust storm is particularly effective in generating beautiful sunsets.  Mix in a few high clouds to create shadowed shades of violet and the painting is complete.

The Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella) of which I have written about previously, is probably my favorite wildflower, but I also relish seeing Texas Bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) and the Indian or Texas Paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa) pictured below.  What is your favorite wildflower?  If so inclined, tell me in the comments below.