Western Red Columbine

aquilegia elegantula

The Western Red Columbine (Aquilegia elegantula) is a captivating perennial wildflower native to the high-elevation slopes and moist coniferous forests of the southern Rocky Mountains. Known for its elegant, nodding blossoms, this species plays a vital role in its montane ecosystem by providing early-to-midsummer nectar for native pollinators, especially migrating hummingbirds. Its intricate, spurred petals and delicate, divided foliage make it a favored sight for hikers exploring subalpine trails. This resilient plant thrives in partial shade and moist, gravelly soils, adding a splash of vibrant color to shaded canyons and rocky creeksides. Take the ultimate field guide with you and identify Western Red Columbine using the Snappit app.

Habitat: Found in damp, rocky soils of coniferous forests, mountain canyons, and alpine meadows.

Appearance

This slender wildflower grows up to sixty centimeters tall, characterized by nodding, pendant blooms featuring five long, straight red spurs pointing upwards and yellow petals forming an inner tube around protruding yellow stamens. The sepals are also bright red, contrasting beautifully with the yellow inner flower. Its delicate, bi- or tri-lobed compound leaves are a soft blue-green color and grow mainly near the base of the stem.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusAquilegia

Western Red Columbine

Interesting facts

Its specific epithet, 'elegantula', is Latin for 'fine' or 'quite elegant', referencing its delicate, beautiful posture.

The genus name Aquilegia comes from the Latin word for eagle, referring to the spur petals that resemble an eagle's talons.

To prevent self-pollination, the plant's pollen-producing anthers mature and shed their pollen before the female stigma becomes receptive.

Special abilities

Features exceptionally deep nectar spurs that physically restrict access to all but long-tongued pollinators like hummingbirds, preventing nectar theft by short-tongued insects.

Produces cyanogenic glycosides within its tissues to discourage grazing by deer, rabbits, and other mountain herbivores.

Exhibits long, downward-protruding stamens that brush pollen onto the foreheads of hummingbirds while they feed, ensuring highly efficient cross-pollination.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-60 cm
Lifespan: 3-10 years

Diet & Feeding

As an autotrophic plant, it produces its own energy via photosynthesis, using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential nutrients absorbed through its root system.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon dioxide
Nitrogen
Phosphorus

Ecological connections

mutualism

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

Feeds on nectar and acts as the primary pollinator for the flowers.

parasite

Columbine Leafminer

Phytomyza aquilegiae

Larvae mine tunnels through the leaves, feeding on internal plant tissue.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Western Red Columbine?

The easiest way to identify Western Red Columbine is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Western Red Columbine?

10-60 cm

How long does Western Red Columbine live?

3-10 years

What does Western Red Columbine eat?

As an autotrophic plant, it produces its own energy via photosynthesis, using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential nutrients absorbed through its root system.

Where is Western Red Columbine usually found?

Found in damp, rocky soils of coniferous forests, mountain canyons, and alpine meadows.