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Where is the Colorado State Flower?

Of course, in Colorado you can find this flower in aspen groves, open forests, meadows, and rocky slopes. However, the Rocky Mountain Columbine is not unique to Colorado. It grows in a wide band of states north and south of Colorado. Columbine is a beautiful flower, and people like to pick it. As a result, the Rocky Mountain Columbine is protected by the state. It is against the law to pick the roots in state parks. There are also limits on how many blossoms can be picked per day. Similarly, the plants cannot be harvested on private land without consent of the owner.

Characteristics of the Rocky Mountain Columbine

There are about 70 species of columbines. They are varied in color, shape, and structure. The one that is the state flower of Colorado is blue and white. Its scientific name is Columbine Aquilegia caerulea. The flower’s petals and spurs are blue-violet. The cap or blades are white. Finally, the center is yellow. I doubt spurs are unique to columbines, however I’ve never noticed them on other wildflowers. The spur are long slender petal like extensions. The ones on the Rocky Mountain Columbine grow opposite of the petals. They make the flower look very dramatic.

History & Fun Facts

There is some meaning surrounding the Rocky Mountain Columbine.

First, Columbine originated from the Latin word ‘dove’. Somehow the white petals resembled 5 doves clustered together.

Second, the genus name aquilegia is derived from aquila, which means claw like. It refers to the flower’s spurs.

Finally, the colors of the flower represent the sky, the snow, and the gold mining industry.

Find out more:

First the U.S. Forest Service Plant of the Week Article

Second State Symbols USA.

Finally Mountain Reservations provides facts about Colorado wildflowers and places to stay.