Western Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)

Western red columbine is a gorgeous perennial with intriguing red and yellow flowers. Its delicate and lacy foliage adds texture and charm to the garden, and the numerous nodding flowers on tall graceful stems are a magnet for hummingbirds! Western red columbine is easy to grow; it prefers part shade and moist soil, but can handle a variety of conditions. In hot, dry areas, it may die back in late summer. It may be a short-lived perennial, but readily self-seeds in the right conditions. This is a fantastic flower for partly shaded perennial borders, pollinator plantings, and rain gardens.

Sun Exposure: Shade, part shade, full sun
Soil & Moisture: Moist to seasonally moist, well-drained soil
Mature Size: 1'-3' tall
Bloom Time: Spring to summer
Edible: No
Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Moth host plant. Seeds are eaten by birds.
Native Range & Habitat: Forests, mountain meadows, streamsides, and open rocky places, from low to high elevations. Native to western North America from Alaska south to California, and east to the Rocky Mountains.
Other Names: Crimson columbine