The Rocky Mountain Columbine, scientifically known as Aquilegia caerulea, is the official state flower of Colorado. This wildflower symbolizes the state’s high-altitude environment and mountain landscapes. Its presence across the Western slopes and high plains has made it an emblem for over a century. The flower’s distinctive form and coloration embody the spirit of the Rocky Mountains.
Identifying Features and Unique Structure
The morphology of the Rocky Mountain Columbine features an intricate, star-like structure. The perennial plant typically features large, upward-facing, bi-colored blossoms. The flower is composed of five pale to sky-blue sepals that flare outward and five white or sometimes pale yellow petals tucked inside. These petals each extend backward into a long, slender, hollow spur that can measure up to two inches in length.
The genus name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word aquila, meaning “eagle,” referencing the spurs that resemble talons. The common name, “Columbine,” comes from the Latin word columba, meaning “dove.” This refers to the inverted flower’s appearance, which suggests a cluster of five doves gathered together. The flower’s color combination of blue, white, and sometimes yellow matches the state flag of Colorado.
Ecology and Natural Habitat
The Rocky Mountain Columbine is native to the Rocky Mountains, ranging from Montana down to New Mexico. This plant is typically found at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 feet, residing in the montane and subalpine zones. It flourishes in open woodlands, moist mountain meadows, and on rocky slopes, often near streams or in the light shade of aspen stands.
The plant prefers rich, moist soils that are well-drained, as it does not tolerate heavy clay. The long nectar spurs are an adaptive feature that dictates its pollinator relationships. While it is visited by various insects and hummingbirds, the long spurs are especially suited for hawk moths. Hawk moths possess proboscises long enough to reach the deep nectar reservoir, ensuring effective cross-pollination.
History as a State Symbol and Legal Protection
The Rocky Mountain Columbine was officially designated as Colorado’s state flower on April 4, 1899, by an act of the General Assembly. The designation followed a popular vote held among Colorado schoolchildren in 1891, where the columbine won by an overwhelming majority. The specific colors designated in the law are the white and lavender variety of Aquilegia caerulea.
Because of its popularity and the threat of over-gathering, the state legislature passed an amendment in 1925 to protect the flower. This law declares it the duty of all citizens to protect the columbine from “needless destruction or waste.” It is unlawful to tear the flower up by the roots when it is growing on state or other public lands.
The law allows for the gathering of a limited number of blossoms, buds, or stems. A person may pick or gather no more than twenty-five stems in a single day on public land. Conversely, picking the flower on private land is strictly prohibited unless the person has first obtained the consent of the landowner. These regulations underscore the state’s commitment to conserving this emblem of its natural heritage.