Rocky Mountain columbine
Aquilegia caerulea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–30" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CO, NM, WY
Pollinators
hummingbirds, hawkmoths, bees
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 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaAn upright wildflower with delicate blue-green compound leaves and large nodding flowers with blue and white petals and long spurs. Grows in clumps in mountain meadows and aspen groves.
Wildlife value
The long floral spurs are specially suited to hummingbirds and long-tongued hawkmoths, with bees also visiting for pollen.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rocky Mountain columbine need?
- Rocky Mountain columbine grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Rocky Mountain columbine bloom?
- Rocky Mountain columbine blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Rocky Mountain columbine native?
- Rocky Mountain columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) is native to CO, NM, WY, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Rocky Mountain columbine attract?
- Rocky Mountain columbine draws hummingbirds, hawkmoths, and bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Rocky Mountain columbine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz