Red Columbine
Welcome!
Horticultural Name
Aquilegia canadensis
Where these plants are found
Red Columbine can be found everywhere in the east half of the United States. It is native to states like Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. It grows in woodland forests and rocky terrain.
How it propagates
The plant is easily propagated from seed, and blooms the second year from sowing.
How are they important to pollinators and other animals
Their bright colors attract pollinators, they provide a source of pollen to visitors. It is also the host plant for the Columbine Duskywing butterfly.
What pollinators it supports
They are very helpful to hummingbirds and long tongued insects. Their deep nectaries are the perfect shape for long tongued animals.
Notable identifying features
Red Columbine is easily recognizable by the flowers’ vibrant colors of red with yellow at the center, and unique shape.
Fun Facts
Canada columbine contains a chemical, which releases poisonous hydrogen cyanide when the plant is damaged.
Native American tribes use various parts of red columbine in remedies for ailments such as headache and fever.
Seedling
Flowering
Seed Head
A 1:42 minute long timelapse of a red columbine growing, shows the plant flowering.
Sources
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/eastern-red-columbine-aquilegia-canadensis/
https://www.prairienursery.com/columbine-aquilegia-canadensis.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquilegia_canadensis
Photo Credits
Seed Head How to Collect and Save Columbine Seeds video, (0:40/1:50min)
Header https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/18478799693
Flowering https://www.prairienursery.com/columbine-aquilegia-canadensis.html
Seedling https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/eastern-red-columbine-aquilegia-canadensis/