This rare herbaceous perennial is native to Texas and Arizona. It is a member of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, that also includes peonies, hellebores, and clematis. The fragrant, nodding, pale yellow flowers appear in early summer and have spurs that are four to six inches long, giving rise to the specific epithet, longissima from the Latin word meaning longest. The foliage is pinnately compound and carried on long petioles. Unfortunately, the plants are short-lived, but they have contributed their genes to the development of hybrids with long spurs. An excellent choice for a cottage or woodland garden. The genus name, Aquilegia, comes from the Latin word aquila meaning eagle and perhaps refers to the resemblance of the spurs to the talons of an eagle.
ype: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Nodding, pale yellow with 4-6 inch long spurs in early summer
Size: 1-3’ H x 2’ W
Light: Light to moderate shade
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: Leaf minors, aphids, caterpillars, mildew, rust, fungal leaf spots, Wuthern blight
Propagation: Fresh seed; older seed with cold treatment
Companion Plants: Foamflower ( Tiarella cordifolia),coralbells (Heuchera), ferns, hosta
Karen Meyers