Eastern Red Columbine, Aquilegia canadensis

Wild columbine is a native biennial that prefers partial shade conditions but will tolerate more sun with adequate moisture. It prefers organically rich, moist soil like that in its native forest home. It may grow 3 feet tall by 1.5 feet wide. The red and yellow flowers mature in early spring and can last one month. These tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees. Once the flowers are gone the plant makes an attractive ground cover. When the foliage deteriorates it can be cut to the ground. Columbine freely self seeds, and new plants will bloom the second year.

This plant was selected as the 1987 NC Wildflower of the Year, a program managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden.

Use this plant in woodland habitats, naturalized areas, shady garden borders, native gardens, or pollinator gardens. It is deer resistant!