Aquilegia formosa aka Western Columbine
Taxonomy ID: 14849
Aquilegia formosa, commonly known as western columbine, is a herbaceous perennial plant species native to western North America. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes buttercups and anemones. The plant has delicate, lobed leaves that grow on thin, branched stems, and it produces showy, nodding flowers with red and yellow petals that are shaped like little bells. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. Aquilegia formosa prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, making it an ideal choice for woodland gardens or shady borders. It is also a popular choice for cut flower arrangements due to its attractive flowers and long vase life.
Common names
Western ColumbineMore information about Western Columbine
What is the growth pattern and size of Western Columbine?
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
What is the region of origin of Western Columbine
Western Columbine’s native range is Western N. America - Alaska to California, east to W. Montana and Utah.
What are the water needs for Western Columbine
Western Columbine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Western Columbine
Western Columbine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Western Columbine
To ensure optimal growth, the Western Columbine prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize Western Columbine
The Western Columbine should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Western Columbine toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
About Ploi
For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
