Semiaquilegia ecalcarata

A very close cousin to regular Columbine (Aquilegia), differing in that the flowers lack the usual spurs at the back. This is a delightful low plant for edging, in the rock garden or bright woodland. It forms a mound or tuft of finely divided, ferny-looking leaves, bearing upright stems with graceful nodding flowers in shades of deep violet to wine purple during late spring and early summer. Will tolerate full sun in cool summer regions. Allow to self seed for successive generations, since these are relatively short-lived perennials. Plants prefer a well-drained but moist soil. Native to open woodlands in China. Quite possibly hardier to Zone 4 or colder.