Oil Shale Columbine

Oil Shale Columbine (Aquilegia barnebyi) is a striking native perennial that adds elegance to gardens with its delicate, nodding flowers featuring pink sepals and yellow petals accented by pink spurs. Native to the unique oil shale formations of northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado, this columbine thrives in rocky, well-drained soils.

Adaptable to a range of garden conditions, Oil Shale Columbine performs well if it has some shade during the day. Its extended bloom period in late spring to early summer not only adds vibrant color but also supports local pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. With its clump-forming habit and moderate growth rate, this columbine is an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, and shadier areas.

Photo by Andrey Zharkikh on Flickr, used under CC BY 2.0