Alpine columbine (Aquilegia alpina, Sp. pl. 1:533. 1753)

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:533. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aquilegia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Alps

Description

The Alpine Columbine, known scientifically as Aquilegia alpina, is a captivating species that graces the rugged terrains of the Western and Central Alps. This member of the Ranunculaceae family was first described by the prominent botanist Carl Linnaeus, as referenced in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753.

Endemic to the alpine regions, the Alpine Columbine thrives in the cool, moist environments provided by its mountainous habitat. The plant is distinguished by its striking blue petals and characteristic spurred flowers, which contribute to its delicate yet enchanting appearance. This beautiful perennial herb typically blooms in the late spring to early summer, showcasing its vibrant floral display against a backdrop of rocky slopes and meadows.

Aquilegia alpina’s distinct morphology and vibrant colors make it a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts who seek to replicate alpine garden designs. It is not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but also for its adaptability to various garden settings, provided the conditions mimic its natural alpine environment.

Understanding and appreciating the Alpine Columbine requires not just admiration of its beauty, but a recognition of its ecological niche and the symbiotic relationships it maintains within its natural habitat. This hardy yet exquisite plant embodies the unique biodiversity of the alpine regions, a testament to nature’s ability to flourish in some of the most challenging environments.

In conclusion, Aquilegia alpina serves as a remarkable example of botanical beauty and ecological resilience, enchanting those who encounter it in both its native habitat and cultivated spaces. Its historical documentation by Linnaeus further underscores its significance within the botanical sciences and its enduring legacy in plant taxonomy.

Common Names

Swe: alpakleja
Fra: ancolie des alpes
En: Alpine Columbine
Ar: أنقولية ألبية
Bg: Алпийска кандилка
Cs: Orlíček
Nl: Alpenakelei
Et: Alpi kurekell
Fi: Alppiakileija
Fr: Ancolie des Alpes, Cornette des Alpes
De: Alpen-Akelei, Alpenakelei
It: Aquilegia maggiore
Li: Alpenakkelej
Ru: Водосбор альпийский
Sv: Alpakleja
: Alpine columbine

Synonyms

• Aquilegia reuteriana (Rchb. ex Nyman)
• Aquilegia alpina f. gracilis (Chenevard & Braun-Blanq.)
• Aquilegia alpina var. minor (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Aquilegia montana (Sternb.)
• Aquilegia vulgaris subsp. alpina ((L.) Hook.f. & Thomson)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Aug 13, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Fanny G (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2021 by frederique lecuyer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Apr 27, 2019 by Groen Negenduust (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by euphrosiine M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2022 by kendrapasztor (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Fanny G (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2022 by Antoine 🌱 AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Julian Sander (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by euphrosiine M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 21, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by BRICE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2020 by mariecar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Baya Ferroudj (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 16, 2009 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2022 by Robin N (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Mikael Boström (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2021 by iYo wewell (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2015 by Tela Botanica − pab (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aquilegia alpina L.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3921499)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:708794-1)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 7