Aquilegia canadensis
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Sunlight: Part shade to full shade
• Soils: Well-drained and average moisture
• Bloom Time: Spring blossoms – April, May, June; flower is bell-shaped red spurs with a yellow center
• Size: 1-2 feet in height, 1 foot spread
May go dormant in mid-summer. Although a perennial, it readily self-seeds. Leave the seed heads or collect and spread the seeds where you want more Columbine in your garden.
Garden Companions
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea), Wild Geranium (Geranium maculata), Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Nature Benefits
• The spurs contain nectar that attracts long-tongued bees and moths, and hummingbirds who are specially adapted to reach the nectar.
• Seeds are consumed by finches and buntings.
• Host to the caterpillar of the Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis lucilius)
Native Habitat
Occurs naturally in rich rocky woods, north-facing slopes, cliffs, ledges, pastures, and roadsides.
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