Species Information
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Anthophyta
Class: Dicotyledoneae
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Aquilegia
Species: chaplinei
Chapline's Columbine - Aquilegia chaplinei
Image courtesy of New Mexico Rare Plants
477997
Species Extent (New Mexico)
General Description
Perennial herb; stems 2-5 dm long, glabrous except for the glandular-pubescent upper parts, openly branched; basal leaves biternately to triternately divided into 3 or 6 leaflets, leaflets lobed, glabrous, dark green above, somewhat paler beneath; petioles slender, glabrous, 5-12 cm long; stem leaves several, gradually reduced upward; flowers suberect, pale-yellow, somewhat pubescent; sepals petal-like, broadly lanceolate 13-16 mm long, 4-6 mm wide; petal blade shorter than the sepals, petal base prolonged backwards into a slender spur 3-4 cm long, about 4 mm wide at base; stamens exceeding petal blades by almost 1 cm; follicles 18-22 mm long; seeds almost 2 mm long. Flowers April to October.
Status
Global Rank: G2
State Rank: S3
| Rank Metadata | |
|---|---|
| State Rank: S3 | Rank Changed: 06/27/2025 |
| Rank Reviewed: 06/27/2025 | |
| Reason: S3 is an appropriate rank for now because this species/variety has a restricted range, but is not uncommon. Its habitat provides some protection, and it continues to be regularly observed on iNaturalist, indicating that several of the EOs are doing well. It is morphologically similar to A. chrysantha var. chrysantha. |
| Ecological Factors | |
|---|---|
| Specificity: Narrow. Specialist or community with key requirements common. | Range Extent: 250-1000 square km (about 100-400 square miles) |
| Occurences: 6 - 20 | Population Size: 1000 - 2500 individuals |
| Area of Occupancy: N/A | Threat Summary: Dams & water management/use - Medium - low | Natural system modifications - Medium - low |
State Status:
Observations in Natural Heritage New Mexico Database
Number of Subpopulations: 10
Number of Mapped Locations: 43
Number of Observations: 74
Observation date range: 05-25-1916 to 08-02-2012
External Links
View More Information about this species at:
NatureServe Explorer
New Mexico Rare Plants Website
Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS)
NatureServe Explorer
New Mexico Rare Plants Website
Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS)