Monday, November 9, 2009

Colorado State Flower

The Colorado state flower is the lavender and white columbine, also known as Aquilegia caerules, aka the Rocky Mountain columbine. It became the official state flower by an act of the Colorado General Assembly on April 4, 1899.

Then in 1925, the Colorado General Assembly decided to protect the columbine from destruction and waste. Therefore, no one can dig up the flower on any public land in Colorado. Picking the Rocky Mountain columbine is limited to 25 stems, buds, and blossoms in one day. Also, this flower cannot be picked on private land at all without the permission of the landowner. Violators will be prosecuted!

Now that we got that over with, let's talk about the Rocky Mountain columbine. It is a beautiful flower that comes in white and lavender together in one blossom.

You will see this flower as you hike all over the state in May and June. It grows best in partial shade. If it is out in the hot sun all day long, it will not last long.

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