Description

California’s four columbine species stand out for their intricate, unusual flowers. The flowers are difficult to describe and quite distinct. These rise from a clump of round, somewhat serrated leaves in the spring and early summer. Serpentine columbine is found in coastal mountains from the SF Bay Area to San Luis Obispo County. Unlike western columbine, which grows in a variety of settings, serpentine columbine prefers moist shade. It brightens creek gorges and seeps with its bright orange, red and yellow flowers. It seems to go dormant in the settings during the later summer and winter, though this may be prevented by supplemental irrigation in the garden..