Aquilegia formosa

Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa, Ranunculaceae) is a native perennial herb found across western North America from Alaska to Baja California and east to Montana and Wyoming, growing in chaparral, oak woodland, and coniferous forest habitats from low elevations to 3,300 meters. Plants reach 20 to 80 centimeters tall (averaging about 60 centimeters). Nodding flowers (5 centimeters) with reddish-orange sepals and spurs and yellow petal blades bloom from April through August. The genus name derives from the Latin aquila (eagle), referencing the talon-like nectary spurs.

Western columbine grows in partial shade to full sun in moist, well-drained soil. It prefers moist locations such as stream banks but adapts to drier sites. It self-sows freely and naturalizes in woodland gardens and rock walls. Short-lived but persistent through self-seeding. No cultivars, pest associations, or disease associations are documented in the profile. The profile is a stub awaiting enrichment.