Aquilegia canadensis

Also known as Eastern Red Columbine, Wild Red Columbine

The Texas native wildflower Aquilegia canadensis grows in rocky woods, slopes, ledges, and open areas throughout the state. The bell-like, 1-2 "red and yellow flowers have five distinctive red spurs and a mass of bushy yellow stamens. The delicate, biternate foliage is reminiscent of meadow rue (Thalictrum) and stays attractive throughout the summer as long as the soils are moist. The flowers attract hummingbirds quite well.

The genus name comes from the Latin word for eagle, which refers to the flower's five spurs, which are said to resemble an eagle's talon.

It can be grown quickly in full shade to part shade in average soil medium in texture and well-drained soil. The ground will tolerate various soil types as long as it is well-drained. It prefers rich, moist soils in light to moderate shade. It freely self-seeds and will naturalize to form large colonies in optimum growing conditions. Remove flowering stems after bloom to encourage additional bloom. Keep soils uniformly moist after bloom to prolong attractive foliage appearance. When foliage depreciates, plants may be cut to the ground.

Larval Host Plant: Columbine Duskywing Butterfly (Erynnis lucilius), Columbine Borer Moth (Papaipema leucostigma)

Nectar Source Plant: Bumble Bees (Bombus spp.), Sweat Bees (Lasioglossum spp.), and Hummingbirds

BONAP MAP

Height: 2’-3’
Spread 1’-1.5’
Bloom: April-May
Light: Part Shade, Dappled Shade, Full Shade
Water: Medium
Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Origin: Eastern North America