Indian Paintbrush Postage Stamps (American Wildflower Series, Flower, Wedding, Botanical, Red, Green) Vintage Unused USPS Postage 29c

These vintage unused postage stamps will evoke a touch of whimsy and add personality to your mailings!

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Name: Indian Paintbrush
• Series: American Wildflower
• Year Issued: 1992
• Face Value: 29 cents each (USD)
• Topic(s): Botanical, Flowers, Wildflowers, State Flowers, Nature, Watercolor
• Color(s): Red, Green, Multicolored 
• Printing Method: Offset Lithography
• Adhesion Type: Gummed (see adhesion instructions below)
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP HISTORY: This 29-cent Indian Paintbrush postage stamp was issued in 1992 as part of the “American Wildflower” commemorative series. This particular stamp features a watercolor painting of the Indian Paintbrush, also known as prairie-fire, by Alaskan artist Karen Mallary. The flower (Castilleja) is native to the western U.S., found from Alaska to California. Indian Paintbrush is a genus of wildflowers known for their brightly colored, brush-like spikes that add vivid color to prairies, meadows, and open woodlands across North America. Despite their vibrant appearance, the most striking parts of the plant are not its true flowers but rather specialized leaves called bracts. These wildflowers are native to the western and eastern U.S. and can be found from Alaska down to California and across to the East Coast. They thrive in various open habitats, including prairies, fields, glades, roadsides, open woods, and sandy soils. The main blooming period is from late spring to early summer, typically from April through July. In some regions, blooms can appear as early as February and last until October.

Indian Paintbrush has been the official state flower of Wyoming since 1917. The name "Indian Paintbrush" is thought to come from Native American legends, such as the one in the children's book The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush, which personifies the flower's appearance as if it were dipped in paint. The botanical genus name Castilleja honors Spanish botanist Domingo Castillejo.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: The spiritual significance of Indian Paintbrush wildflowers is rooted in Native American folklore, which links the flower to creativity, passion, and a deep connection to the land. A well-known Native American legend, popularized in the children's book “The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush”, tells of a young artist frustrated by his inability to capture the beauty of a sunset. The Great Spirit gifts him magical brushes dipped in sunset colors, and after he finishes painting, the discarded brushes become the first Indian Paintbrush flowers, symbolizing lasting creative inspiration. The flower's bold color and wild beauty are also seen as symbols of courage and the vibrant, untamed spirit of nature. It can represent the determination and vitality needed to embark on new and bold journeys. Its hemiparasitic nature also provides a metaphor for teamwork and reliance within communities. 

SERIES HISTORY: The 1992 American Wildflower postage stamp series was a commemorative issue featuring a pane of 50 different 29-cent stamps, with each stamp displaying a unique watercolor illustration of a native U.S. wildflower. The series was released on July 24, 1992, in Columbus, Ohio, to coincide with the AmeriFlora '92 international exposition. Alaska-based watercolor artist Karen Mallary designed the artwork and selected the 50 distinct flowers featured in the collection, with at least one stamp/flower representing each of the 50 states. The U.S. Postal Service described the 1992 American Wildflower series as carrying a message of "natural grace and beauty". In dedicating the pane of 50 different stamps, Assistant Postmaster General Gordon Morison stated they would "blanket the postal landscape" and carry the message that "our nation's wildflowers add natural grace and beauty to our lives". 

GUMMED STAMPS: These postage stamps have a traditional moisture-activated gum on the back. These stamps require licking or wetting to adhere to envelopes or other surfaces. To ensure good adhesion, apply vintage gummed stamps to your mailings with a glue stick (we recommend using Elmer's "Re-Stick" glue sticks).

GENUINE USPS POSTAGE: These unused vintage postage stamps are perfectly valid for use as current postage for mailing with USPS as long as you use the adequate amount of postage to achieve standard postage rates according to the weight of your mailing. Check current postage rates at USPS.com.

QUESTIONS? We love hearing from our customers and replies to inquires are usually answered the same day. Need more of this stamp? Looking for a particular stamp not found on our website? Want a curated postage set for your special event?  Contact us with questions about vintage postage stamps and our services… 

ABOUT HERITAGE POST HOUSE: Jennifer Kramer is the founder of Heritage Post House, a boutique vintage postage house located in Northern California. Jennifer sources the most beautiful unused vintage postage stamps ever issued by USPS and artfully arranges them into curated postage sets that are sure to add a special touch to your invitations, announcements, and special mailings. In addition to creating pre-arranged postage sets, Jennifer also works with couples (and their stationers) to create one-of-a-kind custom postage arrangements for wedding invitations, save the dates, and other special occasions.