Columbine flowers (Aquilegia) are spring-blooming plants loved by both hummingbirds and gardeners. Learn how to grow them with these helpful tips. Aquilegia is a genus of herbaceous, perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae (buttercups).

Understanding the Context

The Aquilegia genus, known commonly as columbines, is part of the Ranunculaceae family. With about 60-70 species, columbines are cherished for their distinctive, spurred flowers and attractive foliage. Columbine (Aquilegia), with its multi-colored petals, blooms from spring through early summer. Though this native perennial appears delicate, it’s among the hardiest of native plants and is deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly.

Key Insights

These plants grow 1/2-3 feet tall with thick rhizomatous roots. The basal leaves are compound and lobed with similar alternate stem leaves. The flowers generally appear in spring in various colors that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. They help fill the niche between early spring bulbs and summer-blooming plants. Find out how to grow aquilegia, including choosing, watering, pruning, and propagating.

Final Thoughts

Aquilegia, commonly known as columbine, is a genus of approximately 60-70 species of perennial plants in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. These flowering plants are native to meadows and woodlands across the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in temperate climates.