Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern Red Columbine) Unity Grown

Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern Red Columbine) is a native perennial wildflower known for its beautiful and eye-catching red and yellow flowers. In early spring, columbine produces its tell-tale upward pointing spurred-petal flowers; the unique shape and bright multi-color blooms attract hummingbirds and pollinating insects, as well as florists, as they make excellent cut flowers. Aside from pollinator value, Aquilegia canadensis is also an important host plant for several butterfly species.

Growing to up to three feet tall, columbine can flourish in various soil types as long as moisture and drainage is adequate, but they actually prefer soils with less organic content. The species is found naturally occurring in woodland environments, and naturally prefers part-sun conditions. Aquilegia canadensis is resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, and will self-seed easily allowing columbine to form large colonies in the right growing conditions; populations can be kept in check by cutting back spent flowers, but seeds are also occasionally consumed by birds.