[2] Aquilegia eximia is a perennial herb growing from a thick caudex and reaching a maximum height of 20–160 cm (8–63 in).

The lower leaves are divided into large, leaflike segments up to 4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in) long and a lobed oval.

The sepals and petals are generally reflexed back toward the stem and the five pistils and many thin stamens extend forward from the center of the flower.

[4] The specific epithet eximia means "excellent in size or beauty, choice, distinguished" in Latin.

[5] Aquilegia eximia is endemic to the mixed-evergreen or conifer forests of the California Coast Ranges, the western Transverse Ranges, and the San Francisco Bay Area,[1] usually growing on serpentine soils and sometimes in moist ravines at altitudes of 100–1,800 m (330–5,910 ft).