SafePlants

Aquilegia formosa: The Crimson Columbine

Aquilegia formosa, commonly known as crimson columbine, western columbine, or red columbine, is a vibrant wildflower that adds a splash of color to western North American landscapes.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the plant produces seeds. These small parts could pose a potential choking hazard if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aquilegia formosa
• Common Names: Crimson columbine, western columbine, red columbine, Sitka columbine, California Columbine
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
• Aquilegia elegantula is mentioned as closely related, sometimes called Western Red Columbine.
• Synonym: Aquilegia spp.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to Baja California, east to western Montana and Utah.
• Also reported in eastern and central North America, found from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan, south to northern Florida, western Oklahoma - note that this might be related to species other than Aquilegia formosa.
• Prefers moist habitats such as woodlands, west-side forests, east-side forests, subalpine regions, and mountain springs.
• Specifically mentioned locations include southeastern Utah, southwestern Colorado, and the Taku River Valley near Juneau, Southeast Alaska (Tongass National Forest).
• Often found growing along riverbanks.

Morphological Characteristics

• Height ranges from 8 to 48 inches.
• Features red and yellow flowers that hang at the ends of branches.
• Sepals are petal-like, pale to deep red, oblong-lanceolate, and 1.5-2.5 cm long.
• Petals have yellow blades, 2-5 mm long.
• Deep red nodding flowers with yellow centers float above bright green foliage on long, thin stems.
• Blooms from spring to early summer.
• Leaves resemble those of western meadowrue but have more separated lobes.

Ecological Role

• The plant attracts hummingbirds (although not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, columbines are well-known for this).
• Seed cups attract birds.

Quirky Facts

• The Haida people of British Columbia called the columbine the "red rain-flower."

Further Information

• Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips, ideas, seeds, and plants.
• Discover Life: A page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Aquilegia elegantula.