Columbine | Blue

Designated as the official state flower of Colorado in 1899.

Found throughout the Rocky Mountains in the western United States, typically in alpine and subalpine habitats, aspen groves, and moist meadows. blue columbine

Distinctive five-petaled flowers with long, elegant spurs. Common color patterns feature blue-to-lavender sepals , white inner petals, and a golden yellow center. Natural History and Habitat Designated as the official state flower of Colorado in 1899

Aquilegia coerulea (sometimes spelled caerulea ). Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family). typically in alpine and subalpine habitats

It is illegal to dig up or remove the blue columbine from public lands in Colorado. Blue columbine | Colorado Public Radio

As the species expanded to lower, warmer elevations, it evolved lighter-colored (pale blue or white) varieties to attract hawk moths, which are more active in those environments. Symbolism and Legal Status