Ranunculaceae

eastern columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

Synonyms

Aquilegia coccinea
Aquilegia australis

Other Common Names

Canada columbine

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

3 ft. tall
1.5 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer

Inolerant of

Dry Soil, Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Mature rootstock is difficult to divide, so seed propagation is preferred. Seed requires cold moist stratification for 3-4 weeks.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide 1-2 foot spacing. Can benefit from adding lime or crushed eggshells to raise soil pH.

Plants/Diseases

Generally disease resistant. Sometimes leaf miners invade the leaves.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

Leaves alternate, compound with lobed margins.

Flowers

Tube shaped flowers with red on the outside and yellow on the inside with five spurs.

Fruit

Follicle

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Forest, woodlands, and rock outcrops often over calcareous substrates.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the coastal plain. Common in the piedmont and mountains.