Six species of columbine grow in Colorado, but only one holds the state crown — the blue columbine. Golden stamens on white petals framed by blue-to-lavender sepals and spurs, people often squeal in delight when they spot this striking bloom in aspen groves and meadows. Equally captivated? Migrating hummingbirds. They arrive in May and June, just as columbines open. Long tongues perfectly adapted to reach nectar in the spurs, the hummingbird is the plant’s top pollinator.
Two other birds fly into columbine lore. Its scientific name, Aquilegia caerulea, harks to the eagle, and its common name stems from “columba,” Latin for dove. In 1899, schoolchildren chose it as the state flower. The General Assembly then made it illegal to remove it from public lands. A lasting tribute to the blue columbine -- its colors reflected in the state flag.
About Colorado Postcards
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado.
