No images found for this plant ID: 2573.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "2573" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Colorado blue columbine
Scientific Name: Aquilegia caerulea
Family: Ranunculaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea)
The Colorado Blue Columbine, also known as Rocky Mountain Columbine, is a treasured wildflower celebrated for its beauty and cultural significance.
Common Names
- Colorado Blue Columbine
- Rocky Mountain Columbine
- Colorado Columbine
- Blue Columbine
- Dailey's Columbine
- White Colorado Columbine
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aquilegia coerulea James
- Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
- Genus: Aquilegia (derived from the Latin "aquila" meaning eagle, referring to the spurred petals)
- Taxonomic Rank: Variety Aquilegia coerulea variety coerulea
- Synonyms: Aquilegia caerulea
Distribution and Habitat
Native to the Rocky Mountain area, the Colorado Blue Columbine is found in:
- Wyoming
- Colorado
- New Mexico
- Rocky Mountains
- Dixie National Forest, Southern Utah
It thrives in subalpine meadows and on cliffs.
Morphological Characteristics
- A perennial, herbaceous plant living for 4 to 5 years.
- Bushy growth habit, forming clumps.
- Reaches a height of 6 to 32 inches.
- Flowers are typically blue and white, with long spurs.
- Bell-shaped flowers in pastel shades of blue, violet, red, yellow, and white.
- Sepals are violet-blue.
Ecological Role
- The Colorado Blue Columbine is considered an ornamental wildflower.
Quirky Facts
- The specific epithet "coerulea" is Latin for "blue."
- The spurred petals are thought to resemble an eagle's talons.
Historical Significance
- Designated as the Colorado state flower in April 1899.
- Protected by an act of the Colorado General Assembly in 1925.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
- Wikimedia Commons: For media files related to the Colorado Blue Columbine.