Aquilegia caerulea

Aquilegia caerulea, the official state flower of Colorado, blooms blue and white and is commonly referred to as the Rocky Mountain Columbine. Simply called Columbine, this plant is a native to Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and northern parts of Nevada and Arizona. The introduction of the “Origami” series provides Texans with the Columbine’s wild allure. This plant produces a tamer, tighter floral display atop its soft blue-green foliage.

The botanic name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word Aquila, meaning eagle, which stems from the flowers unique shape. Hollow petals, or spurs, spike out from the flower resembling eagle talons. It’s no coincidence that in Greek mythology Aquila is the name of Zeus’s messenger eagle and keeper of his thunderbolts. Likewise, Aquila is the name of the northern constellation resembling Zeus’s eagle.

Unlike Texas’ durable and heat loving native columbine, Aquilegia ‘Hinckleyana’, The “Origami” series of columbine fares best in the cool and mild season of spring and is therefore treated as an annual in north Texas.

A. “Origami” comes in blue/white, rose/white and pure white. The lovely bird-like flowers strike interest in north Texas spring gardenscapes. It will take full sun, but when temperatures start to rise these rare little birds prefer shade from the Texas heat.

Nest this little wild bird in your springtime garden and watch it take flight!