Aquilegia pubescens Coville

Species Naming and Size

Aquilegia pubescens Coville is a small columbine species that reaches a height of 15 to 50 cm (5.9 to 19.7 inches).

Rootstock Characteristics

Its rootstock is densely covered with leftover leaf remains from previous growing seasons.

Stem Morphology

Stems are mostly hairless, with only sparse hairs near the top.

Leaf Structure

Its leaves are ternate, meaning each leaf is divided into three leaflets. The leaflets are densely covered in fine hairs on their lower surface, with less hair on their upper surface.

Flower Arrangement

Each stem produces 2 to 5 flowers that grow erect or spreading, rather than drooping like many other columbine species.

Flower Dimensions

The species' characteristic nectar spurs can grow up to 5 cm (2.0 inches) long, and the full flowers can reach up to 5 cm (2.0 inches) across.

Flower Coloration

The sepals and petals are most commonly cream-colored or white, and pink or yellow coloration occurs less frequently.

Flower Internal Structure

A rounded, fused protrusion forms the flower's mouth, which surrounds a cluster of long yellow stamens.

Native Distribution

This species is endemic to the High Sierra region of California.

Non-Native Occurrence Record

A single isolated record from Colorado is thought to be a non-native introduced specimen, not a naturally occurring population.

Habitat and Elevation Range

It grows in alpine and subalpine climates, most often on open, rocky slopes, at elevations between 8,000 and 12,000 feet, which equals 2,400 to 3,700 meters.

Pollination and Flowering Period

Aquilegia pubescens is pollinated by hawkmoths, and it produces flowers in May and June.