SITKA COLUMBINE

Class: Aquilegia formosa

Family: BUTTERCUP FAMILY

Sub Family: Ranunculaceae

Year: Perennial

Other Names: Western Columbine

Colour: Orange and yellow

Height: 20 cm-1 m (8"-3'6")

Each Flower: 2.5-4 cm (1-1 1/2") across with 5 horn-shaped petals, each tapered forming an orange-red spur 2-2.5 cm (3/4-1") long; flared mouth of horn is yellow; each petal joined to neighbour with spurs pointing upwards; broad, pointed sepals 2.5-3 cm (1-1 1/4") long, 1.3-1.5 cm (1/2-5/8") wide, orange-red, often green-tipped; numerous stamens protrude as brush from each flower

Leaves: Basal leaves have long stalks which branch into smaller stalks, each having 3-lobed blade; each lobe broadens, is again 3-lobed, notched; whorl of stalkless, narrower, pointed leaves at stem branches; 1 or 2 leaves on flower stems

Stems: Smooth, thin, rigid

Blooming Period: May - August

Habitat: Middle to high elevations in moist meadows, open, wooded areas

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