Colorado’s State Symbols: The State Flower

Since 1899 the Columbine has been the state flower of Colorado.  The distinctive lavender, white, and yellow flower has been under the protection of law since 1925, so that it is unlawful to dig up the flower on public lands, and no more than 25 buds can be picked on a single day on public lands.  Although Columbine is a wildflower, you can purchase seeds to plant in your yard so you don’t have to uproot the wildflowers.  While the lavender blossom is the official state’s flower, Columbine is also available in a rose-and-white version.  For more on this flower that has become one of the most recognizable symbols of our state, check out the Colorado Flora books, published by University Press of Colorado and available for checkout from our library.