Red Columbine
By Lise Fracalossi
Aquilegia canadensis
Native to: All New England
Life cycle: Perennial
Light: Full/Partial Sun
Soil Moisture: Medium to Dry
Height: 8-24”
Spread: 8-12”
Spacing: 10-17”
Blooms: April-June
Bloom Color: Red
Natural Habitat: Rocky open woods and ledges, rocky shores, and cliffs
Benefits: Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite, Attracts Hummingbirds, Deer/Rabbit Resistant, Urban Environment, Salt Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Host Plant (Columbine Duskywing)
Pairs Well With: Northeastern and Small’s beardtongue, and spotted crane’s-bill
“Red or American Columbine is one of the first plants to provide nectar in the spring for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds…. 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. Seed collection is easy.”
–Prairie Moon Nursery

Red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Photo (and featured image) by Ragesoss - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0