As the species expanded to lower, warmer elevations, it evolved lighter-colored (pale blue or white) varieties to attract hawk moths, which are more active in those environments. Symbolism and Legal Status
It is illegal to dig up or remove the blue columbine from public lands in Colorado. Blue columbine | Colorado Public Radio
According to the Colorado General Assembly , the blue petals represent the sky , the white petals represent snow , and the yellow center represents the state's gold mining history .