How to identify Columbine (Aquilegia)

How to identify Columbine (Aquilegia)

Columbine are recognized by their unique, spurred flowers that can resemble an eagle's talons, with a variety of colors often present within a single blossom. The plant typically grows to a modest size of 1-2 feet high (30-60 cm). Its foliage exhibits a delicate and lacey appearance, adding to its ornamental charm. Blooming occurs from mid-spring to early summer, with a lifespan that spans 2 to 3 years, during which it propagates through seeding.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Columbine

Spurred flowers resembling eagle's talons in a variety of colors.

Ternately compound leaves with oval leaflets and deep, rounded lobes.

Fruit composed of 5-15 slender follicles that split to release black seeds.

Modest plant size of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) with lacey foliage.

Blooms from mid-spring to early summer, with bicolored tubular petals.

Detailed Traits of Columbine

Leaf Features

The leaves of columbine are ternately compound, divided into groups of three leaflets. Leaflets are oval with deep, rounded lobes, ranging in size depending on the species. Basal and alternate on the stem, the leaves display a delicate and attractive appearance throughout the season. The leaflets are typically a soft green, with a smooth texture and a clear vein pattern. The overall size of leaves can vary, generally spanning 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) in length.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Columbine flowers are characterized by their unique spurred shape, forming terminal clusters. The blooms exhibit an array of colors, often bicolored, and feature spurs of varying lengths. Each flower has five tubular petals that flare out, creating a distinct, elegant appearance. The flowers typically measure 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) in diameter. Blooming from mid-spring into summer, these flowers may also exude a subtle, sweet fragrance, attracting pollinators.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of columbine consists of 5-15 slender, elongated follicles that are symmetrically arranged. Each follicle is a dry structure that splits open to release numerous small, black seeds when mature. The follicles typically measure about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in length. The surface texture of the follicles is smooth to slightly ribbed. In maturity, they exhibit a pale green to tan coloration. These key characteristics of columbine's fruit are notable for aiding in the identification and propagation of the species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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