Western Columbine

Scientific name

Aquilegia formosa

Description

Western Red Columbine is a common, attractive, perennial wildflower species that typically grows between 0.5 and 1 m in height. The leaves are mostly basal, thin and usually hairy, have 2-3 leaflets, and are shallow to deeply lobed. The flowers are showy, nodding, bright red to orange colored with yellow centers, have five spike like spurs pointing upward, and bloom between May and June. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, especially hummingbirds. It is hardy, easy to grow, and low maintenance but water well until established.

Planting conditions

Western Red Columbine grows best in moist conditions with partial shade. It prefers rich, well-drained, sand or loam soil types but can adapt to rocky areas well. It can tolerate full sun and shade. This wildflower can be naturally found in moist forests, around forest edges, on rocky slopes, and along shaded riparian areas.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
  • 8a
  • 8b
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 0.5-1 m
• Spread:
  • 1 m