When it comes to native flowers, Wyoming blooms are generally small and seen mostly in the Spring. Wyoming did not officially adopt a state flower until January 31, 1917 - after much lobbying by activist Dr. Grace Hebard.
Interestingly the decision to choose the Indian Paintbrush was not without controversy:
http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/flowers/wy_indian_paintbrush.htm
This link reveals that in polls of Wyoming schoolchildren, the Fringed Gentian proved to be a favorite and it served as an unofficial state flower in the early years of the 20th century. It was also a popular garden flower during this time.
In fact, on the stained glass ceiling in the House of Representatives wing of the state capitol in Cheyenne, a blue flower that looks suspiciously like the Fringed Gentian, figures prominently in the design.
I had been told by a tour guide many years ago that this stained glass ceiling had been commissioned and installed prior to 1917- which is when the Senate and House Chambers additions were finished in full, and . . . before the Indian Paintbrush was formally adopted as our state flower.
https://sites.google.com/a/wyo.gov/capitol-page/
Picture to the right from:
https://sites.google.com/a/wyo.gov/capitol-page/capitol-history/information
I wonder how many other states have behind the scenes stories of how their state symbols came about as well...
Pictures above used with permission granted on the site on which they were found:
Fringed Gention Picture by Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln.
Indian Paintbrush Picture by Cassondra Skinner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
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