Family
Ranunculaceae
Botanical Name
Aquilegia laramiensis
Plant Common Name
Columbine, Laramie Columbine
General Description
Delicate, short-spurred, greenish white flowers cover this compact Native American columbine in summer. A rare alpine species that exists only in the Laramie Mountains, a Wyoming mountain group on the eastern edge of the Rockies, Laramie columbine thrives in moist, rocky crevices along open mountain faces. This is a species of concern, so be sure you obtain plants from reliable vendors offering nursery-grown stock.
Columbines are hardy, clump-forming perennials with thin, delicate leaves that appear in branches of three and have three scalloped lobes. Those of Laramie columbine are gray green and appear in spring to form low, mounded clumps. Intricate, nodding blooms of greenish white are held on short, slender stems. Each flower has short, hollow, nectar-holding spurs that extend backwards. These are flanked by five showy petal-like sepals called tepals. A flush of yellow stamens protrudes from the center of each insect-pollinated bloom. Dry, five-parted capsule fruits called follicles follow. Small black seeds shake down from mature follicles.
Laramie columbine is generally easy to grow and thrives in full to partial sun and porous, rocky soil with good drainage. As with most alpine species, avoid planting in areas where high heat and drought are prevalent. Columbines readily self-sow, so deadhead quickly if you don’t want seedlings appearing here and there. Enjoy this beauty in a rock garden or sunny, raised border.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Green
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Fruit Color
Green, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green, Yellow Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Alpine, Container, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
