European Columbine
Aquilegia vulgaris
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
European Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Native alternatives to European Columbine
European Columbine is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaEuropean columbine produces distinctive spurred flowers in late spring, typically in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. This short-lived perennial forms neat clumps of attractive divided foliage and readily self-seeds to maintain its presence in the garden. The delicate, nodding flowers add cottage garden charm to shaded areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
European Columbine is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- Self-seeds freely which may create informal appearance
Wildlife value
The nectar-rich flowers attract bees and occasionally hummingbirds during the May-June bloom period. Seeds provide food for small birds later in the season.
Common questions
- How much sun does European Columbine need?
- European Columbine grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does European Columbine bloom?
- European Columbine blooms in May and June.
- What pollinators does European Columbine attract?
- European Columbine draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is European Columbine HOA-friendly?
- European Columbine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow European Columbine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz