Our recent "monsoon season" rains have helped reduce the drought conditions here in central Arizona as well as rejuvenated the wild flora in the (now) replenished riparian habitats.💧💧💧
Yesterday during my hike along Lynx Creek in the Prescott National Forest I spotted this wonderful Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha) nestled among the rocks near the creek's edge. This perennial wildflower is an endangered species that prefers the moist and shady mountain areas.
It is a popular flower for the local bee and hummingbird populations (they are pollinated by the members of the Hawkmoth family) but these individuals were all by themselves this day.
A close-up view of the beautiful blossom structure of this columbine
Here is a view of the columbine nestled among the ancient schist outcrops that occur along the creek.
And lastly another beautiful flower hiding under the shady canopy by the edge of the creek. I hope you enjoyed my little flower photo shoot.
Additional information courtesy of the USDA
Here is the range distribution of the Golden Columbine
https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=AQCH
