Click on Image for Columbine Hybrids High Resolution Selection Image
The Eastern Sierra has two Columbines. One is colorful with reds
and oranges to attract Hummingbirds. But it is relatively small
and found at lower elevations. The other is large but a bland
cream color and found at near alpine elevations. It
attracts moths as pollinizers. However at special locations their
elevations overlap but since they have different pollinizers hybrids
should not happen. But near Long Lake in Little Lakes Valley of the
John Muir Wilderness, spectacular, large and colorful hybrids are
sometimes found. Each is unique and can not be replicated; these
hybrids are sterile. Some attribute these hybrids to the invasion of
alien pollinizers - european honey bees. But these very special
sierra flowers are worthy of their own pollinizer.
The "Columbine Hybrids" image is part of the Sealth body of work which are digital images of landscapes, scenics,
and the human form and are based on locations in the Long Lake, Little Lakes Valley, John Muir
Wilderness,
Eastern Sierra, High Sierra and Central Coast of California.
