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Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Ranunculaceae
Aquilegia formosa
Western Columbine
A larger look-alike of Canadian columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), the easy to grow western columbine is an airy, herbaceous perennial native to the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. In its native habitat it's found in rich moist forests, so it's quite shade tolerant and ideal for naturalistic woodland gardens. It has an open habit and elegant blooms.
Ferny clumps of lacy, three-parted leaves appear in spring, dying back to a few wisps in summer. In late spring to early summer, tall branched stems bear dainty, nodding, five-petaled flowers with a yellow central "cup," a starry red collar, and prominent red spurs.
Western columbine grows best in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun. It can be short-lived but self-sows gently and will naturalize over time. Like most columbines, it hybridizes freely. Deadhead spent flowers immediately if you don’t want new plants to seed in. The leaves of all columbine may be damaged by leaf miners and sawfly larvae.
Plant these in any woodland or informal shaded border. Hummingbirds and bees are highly attracted to its nectar-rich flowers while small songbirds release the seeds. After flowering plants offer little to no ornamental interest, so be sure to interplant them with annuals and perennials that look pretty later in the season.
7 - 1
4 - 8
A1, A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun, Partial Sun
24"-36" / 61.0cm - 91.4cm
12"-20" / 30.5cm - 50.8cm
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
Western United States, Northwestern United States, Alaska, California, Canada, Mexico
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam
Medium
Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring, Summer
Showy
Yellow, Red, Orange, Orange Red
Multi-Color
Green, Tan
Sea Green, Blue Green
Light Green, Blue Green
No
Single
Matte
Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
Hummingbirds
Yes
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