Photo by Steve licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Meet Aquilegia jonesii. This interesting little columbine can be found growing in a narrow range along the northern Rockies. It only grows in alpine and sub-alpine zones, making it quite rare. It has a cushion-like growth form to shield it from the elements but disproportionately large flowers. It is a lucky day if one stumbles across this species!
Fun Fact: Both the common name and generic name of the flowers referred to collectively as "columbines" have their origins in ornithology?
That's right, the genus to which they belong, Aquilegia, can trace its origin to the word "aquila," which is Latin for "eagle." When the genus was being described, it was felt that the flower resembled the claw of an eagle.
The word "columbine" has it's origins in the word "columba," which is Latin for "pigeon" or "dove." Early botanical enthusiasts felt that the nectar spurs resembled the heads of a group of doves.
More and more I am coming on board with the idea that etymology can be quite fun.
Photo Credit: Steve (http://bit.ly/NbGbmz)