Aquilegia Caerulea

Photo 1. Provided by Alp Capa, Aug 2006

Photo 2. Provided by Bob Skowron, Raven Ranch, 1998

Photo 3. Provided by Jelitto Seed, 2007

Botanically, the Columbine is called Aquilegia, from the Latin word Aquila, meaning an eagle, in reference to a fancied likeness of the spurs of its flowers to the talons of an eagle. Also known as Rocky Mountain Columbine, it is a spring blooming, herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae family that requires cold stratification, moderate moisture, and good drainage. It is found in montane and subalpine habitats of the central and southern Rocky Mountains, where elevation is 5000-11000 ft (1524 – 3353 m), and temperatures reach -29o F. It is also the state flower of Colorado.

Growing in USDA zones 1-11 and 14-24, A. Caerulea reaches 2 ft high by 2 ft wide in full sun to light shade, and is an important parent of many long-spurred hybrids (Western Garden Book 2007). The bi-color blue and white or red and white flowers of A. caerulea are erect, mildly fragrant, protandrous, and secrete a 26% sucrose nectar.

The most important pollinators of A. caerulea are the crepuscular hawk moth, Hyles lineata, and ten species of pollen-foraging bumblebees (Bombus). Hummingbirds pollinate other species of Aquilegia. There is also evidence that spur morphology and color are important in the reproductive isolation in Aquilegia. It has been established that variation in both length and color of nectar spur among populations of A. caerulea was correlated with the types of pollinators (bees versus hawk moths) present.

It also has many medicinal properties that may be used in survival situations where an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide resolvent, or salve is needed, as well as a source of food (flowers).

Brandi Bayliff, Fall 2007