Columbine: Colorado’s State Flower

“Aquilegia,” better known as the Columbine is the state flower of Colorado–and so much more. These fragile-looking, yet hardy bi-annuals are a great bridge between spring bulbs and summer annuals. Better yet: they self-seed throughout the garden, giving the flower bed a random, natural look. Below are a few more facts about Columbines:

* Columbines have a bell-shaped flower on a long stem. Their leaves are a distinctive broad, clover shape.

* Columbines are native to the higher elevations of North American, where they grow as wildflowers.

* There are about 60-70 different species of Columbines.

* The seeds and roots of the Columbine are toxic and their consumption could be fatal.

* Columbines are bi-annuals, which means the plant lives for two growing seasons. Don’t despair, however, they generally scatter seeds nearby to insure that you have plenty of plants in the coming years.

(photo credit: kenpei/cc license)