When are columbines at peak bloom in Colorado?
DENVER (KDVR) — If you’re looking for columbines around Colorado, it will depend on the elevation, according to a local horticulturalist.
The columbine is one of the most coveted flowers in Colorado as it’s not only the state flower, but it’s also one of the most popular perennials purchased in the Centennial State.
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While the flowers are already blooming in some areas, columbines hit peak bloom at different times depending on where the flower is planted, said Todd Lucero with The Bronze Petal.
Columbines bloom at different rates
The state flower starts to bloom in April if it’s at a lower elevation, which means anywhere outside the mountain regions.
While the flowers are early bloomers at low elevations, it takes more time for them to bloom at higher elevations, like the high country and foothills.
The mountain variety of columbines starts to bloom in early June.
“Our high country stays cooler longer. We kind of see this with trees as well. Elevation plays a huge role in a plant’s metabolism. As temperatures rise, we see plants start to move polysaccharides and nutrients. This in turn produces new growth,” said Lucero.
The differing elevations also change the times the columbines are in full bloom.
Peak times for columbines
For columbines at lower elevations in Colorado, the plant continues to flower well into the summer, according to Lucero. They will thin out and brown as temperatures reach upper double to triple digits.
Columbines in the mountains will last longer due to the cooler temperatures. Lucero says these will last throughout the summer.
The peak time for flower viewing is in late June.
While these plants are perfect for viewing in the summer, they’re best left that way.
“It should also be strongly advised that people visiting our high country refrain from picking the flowers or seed collecting as this has greatly reduced the number of plants in the wild,” said Lucero. “These plants do best when left alone and appreciated from a distance to preserve our state’s native flower.”
Is it illegal to pick columbines in Colorado?
It’s not only bad for the environment to pick a columbine, but it’s also illegal.
In 1925, a state law was created to prohibit the uprooting of the flower on all public lands and limit the gathering of the flower to 25 stems, buds, or blossoms per day.
While columbines are all around the state, leave the purple plant in the ground.
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