Alcove Columbine (Miniature Columbine)

Aquilegia micrantha

Family: Ranunculaceae – Buttercup Family

Perennial herbs; 7.9” to 2.5' (2 to 7.5 dm) tall or more

Leaves: mainly basal; compound; 4” to 1' (10 to 30 cm) long; can have hairs

Flowers: 5 white, cream or pale blue petals, 0.2” to 0.52” (5 to 13 mm) long, petals have spurs; 5 petaloid white to pale blue sepals, sepals not spurred; pistils mostly 5; numerous stamens

Pollinators: other Aquilegia species are pollinated by bees

Fruits: follicles

Blooms in Arches National Park: midspring to late summer (~April, May, June, July, August)

Habitat in Arches National Park: hanging gardens and around seeps and springs

Location seen: hanging gardens

Other: The genus name, “Aquilegia”, comes from the Latin “aquila” which means "an eagle" referring to the shape of the petals which is said to be like an eagle's claw. The species name, “micrantha”, means “small-flowered”.