Aquilegia canadensis

Sizes available: HPP #1, two per pot

Basics: zone 3-8, 24" x 18", part sun to part shade, red with yellow spur, spring to early summer bloom, consistently moist, well-drained soil with low fertility in full sun, but more drought tolerant in shady spots. Prefers calcareous soil, but adaptable

Common names: Wild Columbine, Eastern Red Columbine, Canada Columbine, Canadian Columbine

Family: Ranunculaceae

Origin/Distribution: temperate regions of Eastern and Central North America, native to Maine, these plants were grown from seed collected in New England

Habitat: rocky slopes with dappled shade, good drainage, peat bog edges, open and high woodland shade

More: Nectar for Ruby-throated hummingbirds and long-tongued insects such as butterflies and hawk moths. Host plant for Eosphoropteryx thyatyroides (Pink-tinted Beauty). Has been used medicinally and also as a love charm. Makes a good cut flower. Deer and rabbit resistant. Aquilegia canadensis prefers sandy, well-drained soils in part sun with adequate moisture, but can adapt to dry, part shade. It will hybridize with other Columbines. It might self-sow (in a good way). High fertility soils encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. 

Nursery: Landscape plugs from Van Berkum, grown on by Honey Petal Plants

Image credits: Frank Meuschke of Shelterwood Gardens; illustration from Wikimedia Commons