Hi Sharon! Welcome to the forum.

No columbine that I've ever grown or read about grows to the height you specify. When did you see them bloom? Aquilegia/columbine is a spring-blooming plant where I am in Z6a so they bloom in my garden in late April/early May. I'm not familiar with any perennials that grow to the height you describe other than Joe Pye weed/Eupatorium which is blooming now. They do have pink/lavender flower clusters that attract pollinators.

Any chance you can post a photo? There's also a 'Name That Plant' forum here on GW where you might have better luck identifying what you've got. The other option is to visit a local nursery and pose your question to someone there. They'd be familiar with things that grow in your zone & region. Never hurts to ask.

Perhaps a thalictrum. They have blue-green columbine-like foliage. Some get very tall.

thalictrum was my thought, too. Could be rocheboneanum, and I'm sorry I murdered the name....
Marie

Here's rochebruneanum. It's about 6 feet tall.

{{gwi:273557}}

Kevin

Indeed, with input from the forum, I was able to identify the mystery plant as thalictrum splendide aka splendid meadow rue. Now I'm on the hunt for the plant as I must have these next summer.
Thanks for all of your help.
Sharon

Was sold on Thalictrum 'Splendide' by Rouge.
Eye catching perennial.

Now I just need longer stakes!

Picture Aug 26, 2013:

Welcome Sharon!

What a pretty bloom on that plant!

Dee

Sharon, you can buy Thalictrum 'Splendide' at Avant Gardens, Romence Gardens and Plant Delights. It is truly gorgeous!!

Thank you for the welcoming to this forum. It's such a pleasure to meet and chat. While I was thinking the mystery plant was a columbine, I was soon to learn from members that it is thalictrum splendid or possibly one of the other varieties. Yes, the photos submitted do attest to why I was so awe struck from the get go. And, thank you Roxanna for the retailer info. I've already checked them out and will be contacting them in spring. I live in NE Mn.zone 4. We've not had frost yet which is not typical but is in the forecast. I want these plants for next spring at our summer cabin. Now I'm thinking spring....daahhh.

Can I just say that my pink & yellow Columbine is a full 39" tall and that measurement I took before the flowers opened so I'm sure it's over 40 inches high now. It's the biggest one I've ever grown.

I am in Canada, zone 3.