Aquilegia brevistyla, commonly known as Smallflower Columbine, is a perennial herb that is indigenous to the moist meadows, streambanks, and open woodlands of northern North America, including Alaska, Canada, and parts of the contiguous United States. It typically grows up to 31 inches tall and features delicate, compound leaves. The nodding blue to lavender flowers, with contrasting white or light yellow centers, bloom from May to August and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Smallflower Columbine is often found in association with mosses and may grow in moss carpets, indicating its preference for moist, well-drained soils.

In cultivation, Smallflower Columbine is valued for its charming flowers and its ability to adapt to a variety of garden settings, including woodland gardens and naturalized areas. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, provided it receives adequate moisture. While it is not a high-maintenance plant, it does best in rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. This species is not commonly plagued by serious disease or pest problems, but powdery mildew and leaf miners can occasionally affect its foliage. Smallflower Columbine can self-seed prolifically under optimal conditions, which can be a desirable trait for naturalistic plantings but may require management in more formal garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0