The waxy, nodding flowers are borne on 1-3
flowering stems. The lilac-blue flowers are 2
inches wide and have short incurved spurs.
Late spring
Leaves are 2-3 ternately compound, borne on
long petioles the apex of the leaflet is notched into 2-4 lobes. Leaves are glaucous and blue-green.
Serpentine and blotch leaf miners often disfigure the
leaves of columbine with their mines. Hand-picking or
spraying with insecticides when the mines are first seen
holds them in check. Columbine aphid and the
caterpillars of a skipper butterfly are occasional pests.
'Akitensis' - Large blue green leaves create a beautiful
backdrop for the blue and white flowers.
'Mini Star' - Dwarf selection 6-8 inches tall has
blue sepals and white petals.
var. nana - Compact form
similar to species but less than12 inches
tall.
var. nana alba - Dwarf cultivar with thick petaled,
creamy-white flowers.
