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desert columbine

Scientific Name: Aquilegia desertorum

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Desert Columbine: A Delicate Beauty

Desert Columbine refers to several species of Aquilegia, a genus also known by the common names "granny's bonnet" or simply "columbine." This plant is known for its delicate flowers and is found in various regions of North America.

Considerations for Pets

  • It is important to note that the text describes several species of columbine that have flowers with long spurs. While not specifically addressed in this text, some plant structures with projections could present a physical hazard.

Scientific Names and Taxonomy

  • Accepted Scientific Names:
    • Aquilegia desertorum
    • Aquilegia shockleyi
    • Aquilegia formosa
    • Aquilegia eximia
  • Common Names: Desert Columbine, Granny's Bonnet
  • Synonyms: Aquilegia desertorum syn A triternata

Distribution and Habitat

  • Aquilegia desertorum is found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
  • Aquilegia shockleyi is a native perennial herb that grows in southern and central California, specifically in the Valley, South Coast, Channel Islands, Great Basin Floristic Province, and Desert Mountains.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Aquilegia shockleyi has red-yellow flowers and foliage similar to Aquilegia formosa but more gray and with triple-divided leaves.
  • Desert Columbine is long-blooming, covering itself with petite orange and yellow flowers for many months in spring and summer.
  • One species is noted for its large, bright yellow corolla with long spurs from the base of each of its five petals.

Quirky Facts

  • An airplane named "Columbine II," named in honor of the state flower of Colorado (where First Lady Mamie Eisenhower was from), was used in the 1950's.