Aquilegia canadensis - Wild Columbine

Morphology/Growth habits: Beautiful wildflower with unique, lantern-like flowers that bloom in early spring. Flowers are tubular, red and yellow, and dangle, allowing for beautiful movement in the wind. Ovular, roundly lobed foliage with reddish stems. Wild Columbine’s individual life span is shorter than most perennials, but it self-seeds, continuing its presence for many years. 

Height: 2-3 ft

Light: Part shade

Moisture: Medium

Bloom color: Red, yellow

Bloom time: April-May

Habitat/Best Environments: Grows in rocky, shady woodlands and slopes. Prefers partial shade, but can tolerate more sun and a variety of soil conditions. An attractive addition to rock gardens and pollinator gardens. 

Ecological relationships: Tubular flowers attract many pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. Larval host plant of the Columbine Duskywing. Resistant to deer & rabbits.

*Flowers are edible, but other parts of the plant contain toxins and are not safe for human consumption.

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption

Fun facts: ‘Aquilegia’ comes from ‘aquila’, the Latin word for eagle, as the flower resembles an eagle’s claw.