Columbine (Aquilegia) Location John Muir Trail near Tully Hole.

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Columbine (Aquilegia) Location John Muir Trail near Tully Hole.

Columbine (Aquilegia) Location John Muir Trail near Tully Hole.

Scott M.
on Jun 16, 2006 2:39 pm
Image Type(s): Flora
Image ID: 200822

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Kerstin

Kerstin - Jun 30, 2006 1:18 am - Hasn't voted

Aquilegia pubescens

I've also heard it called Coville's Columbine and Alpine Columbine. Alpine Columbine seems the most appropriate. This is one of my favorite Sierra natives. It always seems to be growing in desolate, rocky places, yet the plant looks so lush. I like the resiny smell of the leaves, which is not present in the red and yellow Columbine.

Be sure to look for the hybrids between Aquilegia formosa (the red and yellow native Columbine) and Alpine Columbine. It looks a lot like the photo above but the spurs are varying shades of pink.

Scott M.

Scott M. - Jul 20, 2006 3:41 am - Hasn't voted

Aquilegia

Kerstin,
Yes you are most likely correct about this being Aquilegia pubescens. It is definitely not formosa. I believe the hybrids you mention are due to cross-pollenation of species.
Scott

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