Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) Click browser's <Back> button to return to prior page.

I find plants growing right out of rocks to be a fascinating phenomenon - how they sink their roots deep into crevices in search of moisture and nutrients, and survive harsh growing conditions.   Columbines (Aquilegia canadensis) are especially fond of limestone cliffs and outcrops, such as this one shown.   There were several large specimens growing on this outcrop, among them these two beauties.     It was quite windy that day, and it took a long time to get a few still images of the flowers.   As an aside, this outcrop is situated on an extremely busy highway.   Thousands of motorists drive past this place every day, and probably notice not the delicate beauty nearby (fortunately for the plants).   I've returned to the site several times since then, and while the plants are still there, I've never found them to be so robust as when I photographed them that year.   With regard to plant photography, there is usually a moment of perfect beauty.   Miss that, and you've missed an opportunity forever.  Unfortunately, this site is slated for development, so these cliffs may be destroyed soon.