Western Columbine
Aquilegia formosa
Also known as Western Red Columbine, Crimson Columbine, Sitka Columbine
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western Columbine grows in your area.
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Western columbine is a graceful perennial with distinctive red and yellow nodding flowers and delicate blue-green foliage. It attracts hummingbirds and is well-suited to woodland gardens and shaded borders.
Why grow it
Western columbine offers reliable hummingbird attraction in shaded woodland settings where many flowering perennials struggle. Compared to Eastern columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), it tends to prefer cooler, more consistently moist conditions and performs better in Pacific Northwest and higher-elevation gardens. Its nodding flower form and fine foliage add textural interest to native plant borders without the spread concerns of some aggressive columbine species.
Watch out for
Plants may take two years to establish substantial root systems and flower reliably, requiring patience during initial seasons. In warmer lowland zones or during prolonged dry spells, spider mites and powdery mildew can become problems, particularly if air circulation is poor. Self-seeding can occur in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers helps manage population if that is a concern.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America (California and Oregon)
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Western columbine is a graceful perennial with distinctive red and yellow nodding flowers and delicate blue-green foliage. It attracts hummingbirds and is well-suited to woodland gardens and shaded borders.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western Columbine grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Western columbine offers reliable hummingbird attraction in shaded woodland settings where many flowering perennials struggle. Compared to Eastern columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), it tends to prefer cooler, more consistently moist conditions and performs better in Pacific Northwest and higher-elevation gardens. Its nodding flower form and fine foliage add textural interest to native plant borders without the spread concerns of some aggressive columbine species.
Watch out for
Plants may take two years to establish substantial root systems and flower reliably, requiring patience during initial seasons. In warmer lowland zones or during prolonged dry spells, spider mites and powdery mildew can become problems, particularly if air circulation is poor. Self-seeding can occur in favorable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers helps manage population if that is a concern.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America (California and Oregon)
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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