Sierra columbine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra columbine |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aquilegia
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| Species: |
pubescens
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The Aquilegia pubescens is a special kind of columbine flower. People often call it the Sierra columbine, alpine columbine, or Coville's columbine. It grows high up in the mountains. Its flowers are usually large and a pretty creamy white color.
Where It Lives
This unique wildflower only grows in California. It lives in the High Sierra mountains. You can find it in very cold, high-up places. It often grows on open, rocky slopes. This plant likes elevations between 8,000 and 12,000 feet high.
What It Looks Like
This leafy columbine plant usually does not grow very tall. It rarely reaches more than 1.5 feet (half a meter) in height. Its showy flowers stand up straight or spread out. They do not droop down.
The flowers have special parts called spurs. These spurs can be up to 5 centimeters long. The flowers themselves can be up to 5 centimeters wide. The outer parts of the flower, called sepals, are usually cream or white. The inner petals, which have the spurs, are also often cream or white. Sometimes, they can be pink or yellow. The center of the flower is round and sticks out. It holds a bunch of long, yellow stamens.
How It Makes New Plants
Aquilegia pubescens can mix with another columbine called Aquilegia formosa. This happens where their growing areas meet. When they mix, they create new flowers. These new flowers are called hybrids.
The hybrid flowers have colors and spur lengths that are in between the two parent plants. Their direction can also be different. This change in the flowers also attracts different pollinators. Aquilegia pubescens is pollinated by hawkmoths. Aquilegia formosa is pollinated by hummingbirds. The hybrid flowers can attract both.
Gallery
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Aquilegia pubescens flower, full-face
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Aquilegia pubescens bud & flowers
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An unusual Aquilegia pubescens at Red Butte Gardens
