Plant Description

Aquilegia formosa

Red Columbine is known for its soft foliage and ornate, bright red and yellow flowers. It’s a great choice for a woodland garden and can attract many pollinators and hummingbirds. Also sometimes referred to as Western Columbine.

Red columbine in bloom with red and yellow flowers against green leaves.

A Red Columbine plant in bloom, with red and yellow flowers against green leaves.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristic Plant Information
Height Up to 3 ft
Growth Rate Moderate
Life Cycle Perennial
Moisture Use Moderate
Drought Tolerance Low when young, moderate once established
Deer Browse Occasionally
Wildlife Value Great for insect pollinators and hummingbirds
Hardiness USDA Zones 3-8
Bloom Time April-August
Bloom Color Red with yellow stamen (pollen-producing organs)
Habitat Type Shaded woodlands

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Classification Scientific Name
Kingdom Plantae
Clade Angiosperms
Clade Eudicots
Order Ranunculales
Family Ranunculaceae
Genus Aquilegia
Species A. formosa

Planting information

Sun

Partial shade preferred, can tolerate full sun

Soil

Tolerant of many soil types, as long as it’s well-drained

Special Uses

Great for insect pollinators and hummingbirds; may not bloom in the first year of establishment

Ease of Care

Easy

RESOURCES

Oregon Flora Database
Wildflower Native Plant Database
USDA Plants Database

PLANT IMAGES

  • A few red columbine blooms are seen amongst green grass and green leaves.
  • A single red columbine flower.
  • A small red columbine plant in a black container, against a tan background. It is not in bloom, but has a few green leaves.