Serenity in the Peaks

Golden Columbines (Aquilegia chysantha) are fairly common in moist, shady canyon areas in higher elevations near Flagstaff, Arizona. This summer photo was taken along the Inner Basin Trail at approximately 9,000 feet (3,132 meters). THIS is where these Columbines were growing. Their bright yellow flowers are about 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide and have 5 petals with 2 inch (5 cm) long spurs projecting behind them. The long flower spurs contain the nectar, and because the spurs are so long in this species, the flowers are not pollinated by hummingbirds, but by moths in the Hawkmoth (Sphingidae) Family. July 2, 2008