Aquilegia pubescens

Common Names

Sierra Columbine, Sierran Columbine

Summary

Endemic to the southern Sierra Nevada in California, the Sierra columbine is a perennial herb occupying open rocky alpine and subalpine habitats at 3000–4000 m and flowering Jun–Aug. It forms clumps 20–50 cm tall with basal 1–2-pinnately compound leaves and glandular pubescent stems. Flowers are erect, with sepals cream to yellow or pink (15–25 × 5–9 mm), blades cream to yellow (8–17 × 5–8 mm), and spurs 25–40 mm long; stamens extend beyond the blades. Colors range from cream and yellow to pink, and it can form extensive hybrid swarms with Aquilegia formosa; hawkmoth pollination characterizes its nectar-rich, long-spurred blooms.

In cultivation it is grown as a perennial in full sun to partial shade with mesic, well-drained soils; propagation occurs by seeds or division and the plant can naturalize; used as a cut flower and valued by wildlife, attracting bees and hummingbirds; it may hybridize with Aquilegia formosa where ranges overlap.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-20 inches

Spread

12-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Rocky, well-drained loamy soil, pH about 6.5, mixed with compost.

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained loamy soil

Soil pH

4.0-7.5, Slightly acidic to neutral around pH 6.5, Acid, alkaline, or neutral

Bloom Color

Cream, white, yellow, or pink

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

2–5 years

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators