Outdoor Hour Challenge
Columbine Wildflower Study (From the Wildflower Set #2)
Inside Preparation:
- Use the information on the following websites to learn more about the two major kinds of columbine you might encounter.
- Eastern red columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis): This plant is found east of the Rocky Mountains. Read more about it here: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflowers. The range map is found here: USDA Plants.
- Western crimson columbine (Aquilegia Formosa): Find the range map here: USDA Plants. Try this website for more information: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflowers.
- Use the chart on page 7 of the ebook to look up columbine in the suggested resources.
- Sidenote: “Aquila” means eagle in Latin. Aquilegia refers to the spurred petals people think look like eagle’s talons.
Outdoor Hour Time:
Look for columbine in moist open woods, on banks and seeps, and in the sun or part shade. Look for columbine blooming anywhere from May—August.
- Use the suggestions in this challenge to make careful observations of your columbine.
Follow-Up Activity:
- Create a nature journal page with information about the columbine. You can use the suggestions in the ebook or use the nature notebook page and/or coloring page included in the ebook.
- Create a buttercup family notebook page. Record any flowers you observe that are in the buttercup family.
- Advanced study: Research the columbine duskywing butterfly. The columbine is the larval host.
How do you get the new Wildflower Nature Study ebook?
Members of the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey levels have access to the new ebook in their library. You need to click the “Members Area” button at the top of the website, sign into your account, and the ebook is there to download and save for your family to use when desired. If you don’t have a membership yet, I am offering a $5 off discount code that will be good towards your Ultimate Naturalist membership.
If you are looking for a variety of wildflower, weed, and garden flower notebooking pages to use in your nature journal, I highly recommend this set from NotebookingPages.com. I have used them with my own family in the past and love them. Please note I am an affiliate for NotebookingPages.com and I will receive a small commission if you eventually purchase any of their products after clicking the link above.