SafePlants

Colorado Blue Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea)

The Colorado Blue Columbine, scientifically known as Aquilegia caerulea, is a beloved wildflower of the Rocky Mountains. It is also commonly referred to as the Rocky Mountain Columbine. It's famed for its beauty and unique color combinations.

Common Names

• Colorado Blue Columbine
• Rocky Mountain Columbine
• Dailey's Columbine
• White Colorado Columbine

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Ranunculaceae
• Scientific Name: Aquilegia caerulea
• Synonyms: The text mentions "Colorado Violet and White Columbine (Aquilegia)" which suggests 'Colorado Violet and White' might be a cultivar name.
• Variants:
  • Aquilegia coerulea variety coerulea (Colorado Columbine)
  • Aquilegia coerulea var. ochroleuca (White Colorado Columbine)

Distribution and Habitat

This plant is endemic to the Rocky Mountains, particularly in Colorado, U.S. It also occurs in Wyoming and New Mexico. It is typically found in subalpine meadows.

Considerations for Pets

The text does not explicitly mention toxicity. It is important to note that *Aquilegia* can hybridize easily; toxicity levels, if any, might vary among hybrids.

Considerations for Children

While the text does not explicitly mention toxicity, it notes the plant is threatened by collectors who want it for their rock gardens. This suggests the plant may be desirable, and that some care should be taken to avoid children collecting it.

Morphological Characteristics

• The flowers are large and bi-colored.
• They have violet-purple outer petals and long spurs.
• The inner petals are pure white.
• Yellow stamens add additional color.
• The flowers can reach up to 4 inches in size.
• Some flowers have blue spurs and sepals, with white petals.

Quirky Facts

• The Colorado Blue Columbine was voted as the official state flower of Colorado by schoolchildren in 1881.
• The white and lavender Columbine was officially adopted as the state flower on April 4, 1899.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It grows well with strawberry foxglove, lady's mantle, and Colorado Mix yarrow.
• The text makes reference to an incident at Columbine High School. This is likely the origin of the "Columbine" common name.