Aquilegia atrata Koch

Nomenclature

Aquilegia atrata Koch, commonly known as dark columbine, usually but not always produces dark flowers that can be brown, purple, or wine-colored.

Size

It grows to around 60 cm (24 in) tall, making it smaller than the more widespread similar species Aquilegia vulgaris.

Stamen Morphology

Its stamens protrude further out from the flower than those of A. vulgaris.

Native Range

This species is native to mountainous regions of Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Slovakia, France, Italy, and Slovenia, and has been introduced to the Czech Republic and western Siberia, Russia.

Habitat

It grows in alpine and subalpine habitats, specifically in rocky limestone areas and forests of beech, silver fir, and Scots pine.

Flowering Period

Aquilegia atrata flowers between June and July.

Insect Herbivores

Several insect species have been recorded feeding on this plant: larvae of the columbine sawfly Pristiphora rufipes, the leaf miner Phytomyza aquilegiae, and the tortrix moth Cnephasia sedana.

Fungal Pathogens

Its leaves are also attacked by three fungi: Erysiphe aquilegiae var. aquilegiae, which causes powdery mildew, as well as Puccinia scarlensis and Puccinia agrostidis.