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Rocky Mountain Columbine
Rocky Mountain Columbine botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Rocky Mountain Columbine

Aquilegia coerulea
In the United States: Native · also called Colorado blue columbine

Honeybees primarily collect pollen from Rocky Mountain columbine, as the nectar held in long spurs is typically inaccessible without secondary robbing behaviors. Peak bloom occurs from late spring to early summer, providing an important early-season pollen source in cool, moist environments. This short-lived perennial may self-seed or require division every few years to maintain stands for consistent bee forage.

Nectarlow
Pollenmedium
Bloom (US) May–July
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
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