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