Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Enjoys light to moderate shade. It will survive in full sun but there must be enough moisture. Likes moist soil but will survive in most types of soil as long as there is good enough drainage. 

Growth Habit/Description:

The plant tends to grow about 1-2 feet tall but grows out like vines It needs a lot of space to grow. 

Bloom Season:

The plants is determined by the weather but will typically bloom for a month in either may or June, but it is quite weather dependent.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

No. It turns yellow and sometimes red.

Host Plant for Butterfly?

Yes,  It is a host plants for the columbine duskywing (Erynnis lucilius).

Other Known Ecological Value?

Very important sourse for humming birds and other pollinators. 

Origin of Name:  It is unclear, but one source implies that it comes from the Latin word for dove. 

Use For Food/Medicine:

The seeds and roots are useful for headaches, sore throats, stomatitis, heart problems, sin rashes (caused by poison iv), kidney, urinary problems, and they are also useful to treat gastrointestinal illnesses. 

“Eastern Red Columbine, Aquilegia canadensis – Wisconsin Horticulture.” Wisconsin Horticulture, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/eastern-red-columbine-aquilegia-canadensis/ . Accessed 8 September 2023.

“How to Plant and Maintain Red Columbine.” Celebrate Urban Birds, https://celebrateurbanbirds.org/learn/gardening/container-gardening/how-to-plant-and-maintain-red-columbine/ . Accessed 8 September 2023.

Klingaman, Gerald. “Columbine.” Uaex.uada.edu, https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/columbine-5-30-08.aspx . Accessed 8 September 2023.

“Wild Columbine | Red Columbine | Aquilegia canadensis.” Adirondack Nature, https://wildadirondacks.org/adirondack-wildflowers-wild-columbine-aquilegia-canadensis.html . Accessed 8 September 2023. 

“Aquilegia canadensis (Wild Columbine/Eastern Red Columbine) Ranunculaceae.” Lake Forest College, https://www.lakeforest.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/environmental-studies/aquilegia-canadensis-%28wild-columbine/eastern-red-columbine%29-ranunculaceae . Accessed 8 September 2023.

Last edited by Christine Dunning, September 2023.