Van Houtte's Columbine
Aquilegia eximia
Care
part shade
moderate
Medium, Slow; Often found in serpentine soil but also does well in clay loam. Tolerates serpentine soil..
0–5ft tall
Mar-Nov
Friendly
Prized
North Coast ranges from Humboldt County to Sonoma County, 500-2500 ft elevation, in riparian canyons and redwood forest understory
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Van Houtte's Columbine in partial shade to deep shade - it thrives in the moist forest understory conditions of the California Coast Ranges where it naturally grows. It tolerates clay loam and even serpentine soil, and actually prefers soil that drains slowly to moderately, so you don't need to amend for drainage. Plant in spring for best establishment, spacing plants to accommodate their mature height of up to 5 feet.
After Planting
Water moderately during your first growing season to establish the plant, then reduce frequency as it matures and the root system develops. This is a perennial that grows from a thick caudex (a woody base), so it may take a year or two to really fill out before you see robust spring flowers. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering - this plant comes from moist forests but not swamps, so let the soil dry out slightly between waterings rather than keeping it constantly wet.
Visit Calscape for more information about Van Houtte's Columbine
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Federal Threatened; California Endangered; Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Early spring breeding season; critical nectar source during courtship and nesting
Spring migration and early breeding; important staging resource
Spring northbound migration fuel source; visits California populations
Insects
Larval host plant for spring and early summer generations
Spring through early summer foraging and pollination
Spring nectar and pollen source during colony buildup
Spring pollen feeding during flowering period
Spring adult feeding on nectar; predator of flower-visiting insects