Destination Thursday: Take a Walk Around the Wildflowers of Wolf Creek Narrows

Featured today is a Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). Although we have not confirmed this species at Wolf Creek Narrows, it is known close by, and since there are limestone outcrops at Wolf Creek Narrows, there is probably columbine. Perhaps you can be the one to find it there!

The long spurs on the petals of this striking reddish-orange flower bear nectaries in the expanded tips. This suggests a specialized pollinator and, in fact, this species is a favorite among ruby-throated hummingbirds. Red color in flowers is a good indication that pollination is accomplished at least in part by birds. Perhaps there are also butterflies or moths with proboscises long enough to sample the nectar, as it seems unlikely that the species is dependent entirely on hummingbirds for pollination.

This is the only species of columbine native to eastern North America, but there are an additional 19 species in the west; many of them are very rare local endemics. The European columbine, with purple flowers, sometimes becomes locally established in Pennsylvania as a garden escape.

Today' WPC Botanist Steve Grund presents the first of three wildflowers you might find at Wolf Creek Narrows. This coming weekend in WPC Daily, Steve will provide both his photos and insight on the other two species.

DIRECTIONS: From the Slippery Rock exit of Interstate I-79, proceed east on Pa. Rt. 108 to Slippery Rock. At the light in town, turn left on Rt. 258. Go one block, and turn left on Water Street. Follow Water Street for approximately 2.0 miles until it crosses Wolf Creek on an iron bridge. Cross the bridge, and look for a small parking area at the head of a dirt lane on the left. Please do not block the lane or park along the paved road.

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