States select symbols from local flora and fauna to represent their unique landscapes and heritage. For Colorado, a flower of the high mountains was chosen to embody its spirit and the striking beauty of its Rocky Mountain environment. The selection of a state floral symbol highlights the area’s rich biodiversity and the deep appreciation residents have for native plants.
Identifying the Official State Flower
The official state flower of Colorado is the Colorado Blue Columbine, a native wildflower cherished for its delicate form and vibrant colors. This designation was formally established in 1899 by the Colorado General Assembly, following a vote by the state’s schoolchildren. The plant is scientifically known as Aquilegia coerulea.
The flower’s Latin genus name, Aquilegia, is derived from the word for “eagle,” referencing the resemblance of the flower’s five spurs to an eagle’s talons. This recognition signifies the columbine’s long-standing connection to the state’s identity. The specific choice of the white and lavender variety is a nod to the state’s geographic and economic history.
Appearance and Natural Habitat
The Colorado Blue Columbine features a distinct bi-colored bloom, which typically has five sepals of blue or lavender and five smaller contrasting white petals. These white petals are spatulate in shape and extend backward into long, nectar-filled spurs that can measure up to two inches. The flower is a perennial plant, growing from one to three feet tall with flowering stems that rise above the fern-like basal leaves.
The plant’s color scheme is often interpreted symbolically, with the blue representing the state’s clear sky and the white representing the snow-capped peaks of the mountains. The columbine is naturally found throughout the Rocky Mountains and is most common in the montane and subalpine ecosystems.
This wildflower thrives in moist, shady areas, such as woodlands and mountain meadows, and is found at elevations between 7,000 and 12,000 feet. It is adapted to high-altitude environments, preferring well-drained, loamy soils.
Legal Status and Protection
The Colorado Blue Columbine has been afforded legal protection to prevent its destruction. State law prohibits digging up or uprooting the plant on any state, school, or other public lands.
Specific rules govern the collection of the flower on public property. It is unlawful to pick or gather more than twenty-five stems, buds, or blossoms in a single day on public lands. On private land, it is illegal to pick or gather a columbine without first obtaining the consent of the landowner. These protections were enacted in 1925.