Gordon Beningfield (1936 - 1998) "Large - Flowered Trillium" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper laid on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card for the U.S. 29c Columbine stamp issued July 24, 1992. Often clinging precariously to rocky cliffs and ledges or nestled on shady forest floors, wild columbine offers a bright splash of color with its dainty red and yellow blossoms. The flowers, which bloom from April to June, consist of long, spurred petals arranged alternately with colored sepals. The nectar-filled spurs provide food for hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, and other insects, while the abundant pollen attracts bees. The genus name, Aquilegia, comes from the Latin words aquila -- eagle -- and lego -- to gather -- which likens the petals to an eagle's talons. The unusual flowers also were thought to look like flocks of doves or columba, hence the common name columbine. Once the flowers are fertilized, the fruit develops into a pod that splits open when it dries, and drops the seeds. Native Americans used the crushed seeds to treat headaches and fevers, while the roots were chewed or made into tea for stomach problems. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 11.5 x 10.5 in. Unframed. (B12849) See More