Serpentine Columbine

Aquilegia eximia

Columbine in late June. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

This evergreen or almost evergreen perennial is a native endemic to California woodland, chaparral, and riparian habitats along the western edge of the state. Serpentine columbine was evaluated in our first trial in full sun before the construction of our shade structure, which affected its summer performance in its second year under reduced irrigation. All plants in our trial showed edge die-back of the foliage and a reduction in size during their second summer on reduced irrigation beginning in July, though there was no significant difference in growth between treatments.

Although this columbine performed acceptably on moderate water in the full sun, experience shows it could be grown as well in shade on low water once established. Only our high irrigation treatment suffered mortality during the summer, even in full sun. Despite being in full sun, the ample irrigation during the first establishment year, combined with winter rains produced robust full plants with a spectacular display of bright  orange blooms on long stalks in late spring through early summer 2007. We credit this extremely profuse bloom with having winter sun to bulk up the plants. Because of this, for best bloom we recommend planting sites with morning sun and afternoon shade or the dappled shade under winter deciduous trees.

Growth and Quality Data

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Serpentine columbine close up. Photo by SK Reid