Serpentine columbine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Serpentine columbine |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aquilegia
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| Species: |
eximia
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| Synonyms | |
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Aquilegia fontinalis |
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Aquilegia eximia is a special type of columbine flower. It is often called the serpentine columbine or Van Houtte's columbine. This plant is found only in California, which means it is endemic there. It likes to grow in damp forests within the Coast Ranges.
This plant is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. It grows from a thick base called a caudex. The plant can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet).
What Does It Look Like?
The leaves at the bottom of the plant are divided into large, leaf-like parts. These parts can be up to 4 or 5 centimeters long and have a lobed, oval shape. Leaves higher up on the stem are not divided, but they might have deep lobes.
The Flowers
The plant produces a large, nodding flower. This means the flower hangs downwards. Each flower has five bright red to orange-red parts called sepals. These sepals are flat and can be almost 3 centimeters long.
There are also five petals. These petals are hollow and shaped like spurs, up to 4 centimeters long. They are bright orange-red on the outside and a lighter orange or yellow inside. The opening of each hollow petal tube can be up to a centimeter wide. The sepals and petals usually bend back towards the stem. From the center of the flower, you will see five pistils (the female parts) and many thin stamens (the male parts) sticking out.
Growing Serpentine Columbine
The serpentine columbine can be a great plant for gardens in some parts of California. It adds a splash of bright color and unique shapes to a landscape.
See also
In Spanish: Aquilegia eximia para niños
