Aquilegia pyrenaica DC.

Species Height

Aquilegia pyrenaica DC. reaches a height of 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12 in). It is closely related to the taller Aquilegia alpina.

Stem Characteristics

Its stem is usually simple and more or less glabrous.

Leaf Structure

The leaves are bluish-green, trifoliate, with petioles that clasp the stem.

Flower Dimensions & Color

The flowers measure 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2.0 in) across and 2.5 to 3.5 cm (1.0 to 1.4 in) long, and are bright blue or lilac.

Flower Sepals & Petals

Technically, the blue spreading outer structures of the flower are sepals, while the paler blue inner structures are the true petals. The petals have spurs at the back of the flower; these spurs contain nectar that attracts the plant's pollinators.

Spur Morphology

In this species, the spurs are long, slender, and only very slightly curved.

Reproductive Flower Parts

The stamens are yellow and protruding, and the carpels are not fused together.

Bloom Period

This plant blooms from April to June.

Habitat & Elevation Range

This species prefers pastures and rocky places growing at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,600 metres (3,300 to 5,200 ft).

Native Distribution

It is native to France and the Pyrenees.

Cultivation Introduction

It was introduced into cultivation in Britain in 1818.

Naturalisation in Scotland

In 1895, it was planted on rock ledges in Caenlochan Glen, Angus, Scotland, where it became naturalised.

Casual Occurrence

It also appeared as a casual arrival at Doncaster Sheffield Airport in 1986.