western columbine
Aquilegia formosa
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Red , yellow
- Foliage color
- Green.
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa) is a perennial for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Red and yellow spurred flowers nod above blue-green, lobed leaves, and hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies visit the blooms. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first. It readily maintains itself from seed.
Pairs well with Meadow rue, Iris, and Blue bugloss.
Native range
AK, CA, ID, MT, and 7 more places. See all 11
AK, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY; AB, BC, and YT.