Western Columbine is a wonderful native wildflower that forms almost permanent colonies in part shade. 20″ stems support pendant flowers of vivid orange and yellow. Blooms April-June. Rich, well-drained sites that retain moisture in part shade.Little summer water once established. Finely divided, blue-green leaves are pretty as well. Excellent perennial for naturalizing in part shade and cool environs. Often seen living in a basin of moss and this may be repeated in the garden. Self sows and blue green foliage is distinctive almost immediately. Long-lived when established. Associated plants are Sidalcea campestris, Symphoricarpos albus, Tellima grandiflora. Works well with smaller ferns too. Oregon native plant.
Aquilegia formosa
Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Aquilegia
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Dry Shade, Low Water/No Water, Oregon Coast, Western Native, Willamette Valley Natives
Sun exposure: Part Shade
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn4a -25º to -30ºF
Foliage color: Gray-green
Foliage season: Winter Deciduous