About Aquilegia saximontana Rydb.
Aquilegia saximontana Rydb., also called A. saximontana, grows in sub-alpine and alpine areas of the Rocky Mountains, at elevations between 3,300 and 4,000 m (10,800–13,100 ft). This columbine species is endemic, meaning it is native only to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, United States. It blooms in July and August, producing lavender and white flowers. Mature plants reach a total height of 5–25 cm (2.0–9.8 in).
A. saximontana should not be mistaken for Aquilegia coerulea var. coerulea, which shares overlapping range with A. saximontana and may also produce blue and white flowers. The two can be distinguished by the length and shape of the spur-shaped backs of their flowers: A. saximontana has hooked spurs that measure 3–9 mm (0.12–0.35 in) long, while A. coerulea has straight spurs that measure 34–48 mm (1.3–1.9 in) long.
