This photo from Wild Basin in the RMNP shows the Colorado blue columbine dancing with Golden banner, Thermopsis spp. You may see the species name ‘coerulea’ spelled in a variety of fashions; for an entertaining read check out Al Schneider’s columbine page and discover the many ways the spelling was corrupted, and how he went to the mat to get the right spelling on our state’s website!
The Aquilegia coerulea, is of course, our state flower, and our state flag incorporates its colors. It’s also the logo of our Colorado Native Plant Society. We are lucky that in Colorado the Blue columbine is considered by NatureServe to be ranked as ‘apparently secure,’ but in two of the other states where it is native it is considered vulnerable or imperiled: NatureServe.
It’s up to all of us to help ensure the future of this beautiful part of our state’s biodiversity. The Aquilegia coerulea is many things. Let’s help keep it around so its symbolic connections can be appreciated in reality, not in history.
Media Committee
Colorado Native Plant Society