Crimson Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)
Family: Buttercup (Ranunculaceae)
Habitat: Wet and shady areas, especially streambanks and meadow peripheries, above 3,000 feet (900 meters). I've seen it in several meadows in the Glacier Point Road area, which are mostly at elevations in the 6,000-7,000 foot (1,800 - 2,100 meters) range, and I've seen it above 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) in the Gaylor Lakes basin. If you want to see Crimson Columbine without having to get out of your car, Summit Meadow, the meadow about seven miles (11 km) down Glacier Point Road (watch for the parking strip and outhouse), is a likely spot.
Size: Flowers a couple inches long, nodding over slender stems up to four feet tall.
Flowering Season: June - August
This Photo: Along Glacier Point Road near the Badger Pass turnoff, early June
More Crimson Columbine
 Spotted Petals |
 The Jester's Hat POV |
 Flower & Stem |