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Early fall colors in Yellowstone
A greater number of plants grow here, in their natural habitat, than anywhere else in the 48 contiguous states. Common species include the Lodgepole pine, Englemann spruce and subalpine fir, the Wyoming paintbrush and the yellow monkey flower.
The Indian paintbrush gets its name from an American Indian legend about a brave who was trying to paint a prarie sunset and threw down his brushes in frustration. Flowers grew wherever the brushes landed.