Serpentine Columbine
(Aquilegia eximia)
Serpentine Columbine (Aquilegia eximia)
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Alex
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Alex
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Alex | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Alex | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-09-13T03:49Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aquilegia eximia, commonly known as serpentine columbine or Van Houtte’s columbine, is a perennial herb that originates from the serpentine soils of California’s coastal ranges, particularly in open woodlands and chaparral environments. It is characterized by a thick caudex and can vary greatly in height, typically reaching up to 1.5 meters. The plant features an inflorescence with large, nodding flowers that are particularly showy. Each flower consists of five bright red to orange-red flat sepals, each nearly 3 centimeters long, and five petals forming hollow spurs that can extend up to 4 centimeters, with the outer surface being bright orange-red and the inner surface a lighter orange to yellow. The mouth of the hollow petal tube is up to a centimeter wide, and the flowering season is in the spring and early summer.
Serpentine columbine is valued for its striking flowers and is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. It provides a vibrant splash of color and is relatively easy to maintain. While it prefers part shade, it can tolerate a range of light conditions and requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soil to thrive. It is not commonly afflicted by diseases, but it can be susceptible to leaf miners and powdery mildew. Gardeners should be aware that while it is not typically invasive, it can self-seed in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Serpentine columbine is valued for its striking flowers and is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. It provides a vibrant splash of color and is relatively easy to maintain. While it prefers part shade, it can tolerate a range of light conditions and requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soil to thrive. It is not commonly afflicted by diseases, but it can be susceptible to leaf miners and powdery mildew. Gardeners should be aware that while it is not typically invasive, it can self-seed in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Orange, Red, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to serpentine soils of California’s coastal ranges, particularly in open woodlands and chaparral environments
Other Names
Common Names: Serpentine Columbine
Scientific Names: , Aquilegia eximia, Aquilegia fontinalis, Aquilegia tracyi, Aquilegia adiantoides, Actaea tracyi,
GBIF Accepted Name: Aquilegia eximia Van Houtte ex Planch.