Columbine

Columbine Plant FlowersAquilegia canadensis

Introduction

Aquilegia canadensis, Columbine, also called Red or American Columbine, is one of the first plants to provide nectar in the spring for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Columbine is the larval host plant of the Columbine Duskywing. The colorful flowers are red flowing into yellow.  Besides being an early bloomer, Columbine will tolerate a large range of soil and sun types, so you’ll have success with it in full sun as well as shade.  It can grow in pine tree areas and is deer resistant.  The seeds of Aquilegia are shiny black and smooth – like tiny black pearls.  They can bounce on hard soil surfaces, aiding in their distribution.    

Columbine can be found growing at Gabis Arboretum on the western point of the railway garden.


Life Cycle

Perennial

Sun Exposure

Full, Partial, Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry

Height

2 Feet

Bloom Time

April, May, June

Bloom Color

Red