Wild Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
Wild columbine grows in rocky woods, cliffs, hillsides, pastures, roadsides and similar areas. (James Van Gundy/Flickr)
Wild Columbine has drooping, bell-shaped, red and yellow flowers with many yellow stamens in the center. (Leo Papandreou/Flickr)
Wild columbine is a native perennial plant with nodding, bell-shaped, red and yellow flowers that bloom in spring and early summer.
Appearance
Wild columbine has drooping, bell-shaped, red and yellow flowers with petals lifted upward. The flowers bloom in April to July and have many yellow stamens in the center. Wild columbine grows 1 to 3 feet tall.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
About two weeks after blooming, flowers go to seed. Mature seeds are black and are contained in a fruit capsule. New seedlings grow in spring.
Did You Know?
- Wild columbine is also known as red, eastern or Canadian columbine. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Native American men are said to have used crushed columbine seeds as a love charm. The seeds have also been used to treat fevers, rashes, headaches, sore throats and other ailments.
- There are many columbine cultivars that come in various colors, including white and purple.
Sources and Additional Information
- Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- PLANTS Database: Aquilegia canadensis – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Aquilegia canadensis – The University of Texas at Austin
- Canadian Columbine, Wild Columbine – Dave’s Garden
Quick Facts
Species
Native
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Habitat
Found in rocky woods, cliffs, hillsides, pastures, roadsides and similar areas. Grows in full or partial sun.
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Range
Grows throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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Status
Stable
