Western Columbine
(Aquilegia formosa)
Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)
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Photo by: © mfeaver | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: mfeaver | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aquilegia formosa, commonly known as Western Columbine, is a perennial herb that is native to a variety of habitats including moist woodlands, forest clearings, and meadows in the Western United States and Canada. It typically grows to 20–80 cm in height and features distinctive nodding flowers that are red and yellow, blooming from April to August. The flowers are about 5 cm long and are highly attractive to hummingbirds, which are the primary pollinators, though bees, butterflies, and flies also visit them. At high elevations in the Sierra Nevada, Western Columbine can hybridize with Aquilegia pubescens, which is primarily pollinated by hawk moths.
Western Columbine is appreciated for its showy flowers and is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. It offers the added benefit of attracting pollinators and is relatively easy to maintain. While it can tolerate full sun, it prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates, and requires medium amounts of water with well-drained soil. Despite its beauty, caution is advised as most parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, and the seeds are particularly toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Western Columbine is appreciated for its showy flowers and is often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. It offers the added benefit of attracting pollinators and is relatively easy to maintain. While it can tolerate full sun, it prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates, and requires medium amounts of water with well-drained soil. Despite its beauty, caution is advised as most parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, and the seeds are particularly toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 0.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Yellow, Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Moist woodlands, forest clearings, and meadows
Other Names
Common Names: Crimson Columbine, Red Columbine
Scientific Names: , Aquilegia formosa, Aquilegia fosteri, Aquilegia formosa var. truncata, Aquilegia shockleyi, Aquilegia truncata, Aquilegia formosa var. hypolasia, Aquilegia formosa var. pauciflora, Aquilegia formosa var. fosteri, Aquilegia formosa var. caelifax
GBIF Accepted Name: Aquilegia formosa Fisch.