Quick answer: Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa) is native to 1 state. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Walter Siegmund (talk), Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry, Moist |
| Soil | Moist, rocky soils, tolerates dry nutrient-poor soil |
| Bloom | May-Aug |
| Height | Up to 3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts hummingbirds, nectar/young leaves used traditionally by Indigenous peoples |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Western columbine
Where is Western columbine native?
Western columbine (Aquilegia formosa) is native to Alaska. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Western columbine bloom?
Western columbine blooms May-Aug. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Western columbine need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Dry, Moist. Soil: Moist, rocky soils, tolerates dry nutrient-poor soil. Mature height: Up to 3 ft.
Is Western columbine good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds, nectar/young leaves used traditionally by Indigenous peoples.
Is Western columbine deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Western columbine is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Western columbine seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Aquilegia formosa on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Western columbine.
- Red huckleberry Vaccinium parvifolium
- Salmonberry Rubus spectabilis
- Beach strawberry Fragaria chiloensis
- Mountain avens Dryas octopetala
- Nootka rose Rosa nutkana
- Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii
Also listed under
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