Aquilegia nevadensis

Aquilegia vulgaris subsp. nevadensis is a subspecies of the perennial herbaceous plant Aquilegia vulgaris of the genus Aquilegia (columbines) in the family Ranunculaceae. The subspecies have particularly glandular-pubescent (possessing both glands and hair-like structures called trichomes) herbage and are distinguishable by the presence of curved – rather than hooked – nectar spurs. The glandular trichomes contribute to the subspecies's ability to defend against damage from insects. Plants of this subspecies have rootstocks that are either simple or branched. From this, stems extend between 15 cm (5.9 in) and 60 cm (24 in) upwards, branching towards their ends. These stems are increasingly glandular-pubescent moving up the stem and are covered in leaves. Leaves at the base of the plant (basal) and along the stem (cauline) are pubescent. The basal leaves are biternate (three leaflets further divided into three sections), while the cauline leaves are ternate (a leaf in three leaflets). The inflorescences are bracteate, with these bracts also glandular-pubescent. Each inflorescence bears multiple nodding flowers that are between 40 mm (1.6 in) and 50 mm (2.0 in) in diameter. Flowering occurs between May and July. Iberian columbines all possess five sepals and five petals. The flowers have been described as blue or violet On A. v. …

Aquilegia vulgaris subsp. nevadensis is endemic to the Andalusia region of southern Spain. Its range falls within the Baetic System of mountain ranges, including the Sierra de Almijara, Sierra de Baza, Sierra Nevada and Sierra de Tejeda ranges. The natural range of A. v. nevadensis is shared by relatively few members of its genus, potentially contributing to its genetic distinctiveness. A 2014-published paper evaluating the conservation status of Spanish herbs identified A. v. nevadensis as near threatened. The IUCN Red List has not assessed the subspecies's conservation status. The habitat of A. v. nevadensis is found between 1,100 m (3,600 ft) and 2,500 m (8,200 ft) above sea level. It can be found in alpine meadows, spaces between forests, and along streams where the soil is always moist. Favored habitats also include high alpine springs (a characteristic it shares with the Iberian A. cazorlensis); this preferred habitat may also contribute towards restricting the expansion of A. v. nevadensis's range. Many Aquilegia species and cultivars, primarily originating from North America and East Asia, are cultivated as ornamental plants. In 1946, American botanist Philip A. Munz reported that, while he had not observed any specimens matching the plant's description, he was aware of nurserymen advertising cultivated plants as Aquilegia nevadensis.

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