smallflower columbine

not listed

NNR - Unranked

SNR - Unranked

not listed

Smallflower columbine is a 1′ to 3′ tall, erect, perennial forb that rises from a stout taproot and thin, woody rhizomes.

Basal leaves emerge in the early spring on long stems. The leaves are much shorter than the stems. They are divided into groups of 3 leaflets that are up to 3″ long and 2″ wide. Each leaflet is divided again into 3 triangular or wedge-shaped lobes. The lobes are often themselves divided into 2 or more secondary lobes that resemble large, rounded teeth. The leaflets may be stalked or unstalked, with both types occurring on the same plant. The upper surface of the leaf is hairless and may have a whitish bloom. The lower surface may be finely hairy.

In the late spring stems are produced. The stems are slender, sparingly branched, hollow, and cylindrical. They are covered with soft hairs toward the base.

Stem leaves are alternate and similar to the basal leaves but smaller and on shorter stalks. They become progressively smaller with shorter stalks as they ascend the stem.

The inflorescence is a solitary flower or pair of flowers at the end of a branch.

The flowers are showy and hang downward at the end of a long, erect flower stalk. They are 1″ to 2″ long and ⅔″ to 1¾″ wide. They have 5 petal-like, blue, ¼″ to ¾″ long sepals, and 5 blue and white petals.

The tips of the petals are white and rounded. The base is a long, slender, blue nectar spur. The spur is erect or slightly-spreading, has a slightly-enlarged tip, and is hooked near the tip. Yellow stamens and styles barely project beyond the petals. There is no fragrance.

The fruits are 5 erect pods, each ¼″ to 1″ long with a beak less than ¼″ long.

1′ to 3′

Blue

Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) has larger, red and yellow flowers. The spurs are not hooked at the tip. Stamens and styles project well beyond the petals. It is found throughout the state.

Open woods, meadows, shores.

Late May to July

Sources

3, 4, 29, 30.

This plant has been recorded in the state. However, all specimens from Minnesota seen by Flora of North America have been misidentified.

Native

Rare or absent