Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

Western Columbine is also known as the Red or Crimson Columbine because of its attractive red-and-yellow-colored flowers. The blooms are very appealing to hummingbirds. Mature seedheads provide food for finches and other bird species. This charming wildflower is a member of the buttercup family and grows in moist, shady locations. In the garden, it likes regular water, partial shade, and compost-rich, well-draining soil. It does self-sow, but deadheading will control spreading. From Calscape.

Growers: Larner Seeds

Other Names Used: Hairy-leaved sunflower, common sunflower Crimson Columbine, Sitka Columbine

Family: Ranunculaceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Sun Exposure: Full, Partial, Shade

Bloom Period: Spring

Bloom Color(s): Red, Yellow

Plant Height: 2-3 feet tall

Plant Width: 1 foot wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• North Coast
• Sierra Foothills
• Sierra Nevada
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast
• Southern California Inland

Ecological Benefits:

• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers
• Hedge
• Living Fence

Habitat Type:

• Chaparral
• Lodgepole Forest
• Northern Juniper Woodland
• Pinyon-Juniper Woodland
• Red Fir Forest
• Subalpine Forest
• Yellow Pine Forest
• Wetland
• Riparian

Human Uses/Cautions: Seeds edible

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None