Rocky Mountain Blue Columbine

Rocky Mountain blue columbine (Aquilegia saximontana)
Photo by: Matt Brincka

A jewel of the sub-alpine, the Rocky Mountain blue columbine (Aquilegia saximontana) is typically found at elevations of 10,000 to 13,000 feet. The latin word aquila, which can be found in the genus name, means 'Eagle', which refers to the claw like structures at the flower base. The common name, Rocky Mountain blue columbine, is ofter shortened to Rocky Mountain columbine and is then confused with Aquilegia caerulea goes by same common name (Rocky Mountain columbine)... to add to that confusion, check out the interesting facts section at the end of this post!

The flower itself, which blooms in Late June to August, is a beautiful combination of blue-violet and white petals and a bright yellow center. Each part of the flower symbolizes a part of Colorado. The blue-violet outer petals represent the sky, the white inner petals symbolize the snow and the yellow center is a symbol for the gold mining history of Colorado.

Rocky Mountain blue columbine (Aquilegia saximontana)
Photo by: Matt Brincka

Interesting Facts

• Aquilegia saximontana is commonly thought of as Colorado's state flower, however, Aquilegia caerulea is considered the official state flower of Colorado. Historically, the original document identified the flower as being lavender and white - which is a better representation of Aquilegia caerulea - and not of a specific columbine species. There has been debate that A. saximontana was suppose to be given the title of Colorado's state flower originally, but A. caerulea now holds that honor.