Colorado State Flower: Columbine

The state flower of Colorado is the Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea). The Rocky Mountain Columbine is a beautiful and delicate wildflower with unique two-tone flowers. It features white petals and deep blue-violet sepals, giving it a striking appearance.

The flower’s colors are said to symbolize Colorado’s blue skies and snow-capped mountains. The Rocky Mountain Columbine was designated as the state flower of Colorado in 1899. It is cherished for its beauty and its connection to the state’s rugged and scenic landscapes.

The Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) is a perennial wildflower native to the western United States, particularly the Rocky Mountain region. It is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and is known for its striking and distinctive flowers.

Flowers: The flowers of the Rocky Mountain Columbine are its most defining feature. They have a unique and elegant design with white petals that form a star-like shape and deep blue-violet sepals that extend backward. The sepals are often mistaken for petals, creating a visually stunning contrast. In the center of the flower are bright yellow stamens and delicate, nectar-filled spurs that attract pollinators.

Leaves: The Rocky Mountain Columbine has fern-like, light green leaves that grow along the stems. The foliage adds to the plant’s overall attractiveness, even when it is not in bloom.

Habitat: As its name suggests, the Rocky Mountain Columbine thrives in mountainous regions, often found at elevations between 6,000 to 10,000 feet (1,800 to 3,000 meters) above sea level. It prefers well-drained soil and is commonly found in open woodlands, meadows, and rocky slopes.

Blooming Season: The Rocky Mountain Columbine typically blooms in late spring to early summer, depending on the elevation and climate. Its flowers provide a valuable source of nectar for pollinators like bees and hummingbirds during this time.

Cultural Significance: The Rocky Mountain Columbine holds special significance for the state of Colorado, where it is designated as the official state flower. Its blue and white colors are said to represent the blue skies and snow-capped mountains of the region. It is celebrated in various festivals and events throughout the state.

SOURCE: The Garden Magazine

The white and lavender Rocky Mountain Columbine was designated the official state flower of Colorado in 1899 after winning the vote of Colorado’s school children.

Discovered in 1820 on Pike’s Peak by mountain climber Edwin James, the Rocky Mountain columbine (Columbine Aquilegia caerulea) is a lovely flower with a rich aroma to attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies to its nectar. The Latin word aquila means “Eagle” and refers to the claw-like spurs at the base of the flower.

Columbines bloom in pastel shades of blue, violet, red, yellow and white. There are 70 species of columbines in the world and about 1/3 are native to North America. Colorado specifies the white and lavender Rocky Mt. Columbine which has blue-violet petals and spurs, a white cup and yellow center. Blue is a symbol of the sky, white represents snow, and yellow symbolizes Colorado’s gold mining history.

SOURCE: STATE SYMBOLS USA