The Latin
specific namecoerulea (or caerulea) means "sky blue".[3]
Sequencing of the genome of this species has advanced the study of the evolution of basal eudicots.[4][5]
Description
It is a
herbaceousperennial plant often found at elevations of 2,100 to 3,700 m (6,900 to 12,100 ft). It grows to 20–60 cm (7.9–23.6 in) tall, with flowers sprouting in inflorescences produced from the short
apicalmeristem.[6] The flowers are very variable in color, from pale blue (as in the species name coerulea) to white, pale yellow and pinkish; very commonly the flowers are bicolored, with the sepals a different shade to the petals. They consist of five petals, five sepals and an
ovary surrounded by 50 to 130
stamens. Five long spurs hang below the calyx and contain nectar at their tips, accessible only to
hawkmoths. In addition to hawkmoths, pollinators for this flower include bumble-bees, solitary bees and syrphid flies.[7] Its native habitats include moist woods and open mountain meadows.[8]
Distribution
It is native to Colorado, south eastern Idaho, southern Montana, Wyoming, northern New Mexico, and Utah.[9]
Cultivation
Aquilegia coerulea is used as an
ornamental plant in gardens.
Its natural variability is exploited in the selection of numerous
cultivars in different shades.
Cultivars include 'Origami'
[10] and 'Crimson Star'.
Gallery
Yellow-p color variant
cv. 'Crimson Star' in visible light, UV (showing
nectar guides), and IR.