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To estimate the extent to which the allometric variability in Aquilegia nigricans ssp. subscaposa individuals is adaptive, we measured some morphometric traits of this rare endemic in a lowland grassland and oak – beech forest, and in a high plateau grassland. We expected light and elevation to be the main environmental factors responsible for the observed morphologic variation. Plant size was generally greater under shade conditions. The mean lengths of leaf petioles and basal leaflets were significantly greater, and the number of basal leaves significantly smaller in the forest understory. No morphometric traits differed significantly and solely between high and low elevation populations. Plant canopy development and fertility measures showed no clear responses to different light and altitudinal conditions. Significant differences in occurrence of the shapes of the first stem leaf were only detected between the populations in the most contrasting conditions: open montane grasslands and lowland ...