Columbine flowers catch the eye with their variety of colors, elegant structure, and impressive ability to attract butterflies and humming birds. The Great Basin Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) evolved in the vast Great Basin Desert region of Nevada, Western Utah, Eastern California, and Southern Idaho and Oregon. Related cousins are common on the west side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Great Basin Columbine grow commonly along mountain streams and seeps in the many mountain ranges in the region and springs in the high desert valleys. Butterflies and humming birds relish the small, showy flowers that rise on long stems above the blue/gray tinted mound of leaves.

While in the Great Basin region, visitors can enjoy views of the spectacular summit of Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park located in east-central Nevada. This 13,063 foot mountain towers over an easily accessible and one of the most famous groves of ancient Bristlecone Pine trees. A fallen tree here was dated at over 5000 years old when it died. Bristlecone Pines are featured in the Ancient Trees Screen Saver. Also in the Park, Lehman Cave offers a wonderful opportunity for any visitor to experience many different cave formations well presented along an easy walk underground.

Link to Great Basin National Park Home Page

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