Aquilegia canadensis (eastern columbine)

General info: Aquilegia canadensis, commonly called eastern columbine, is a North American native perennial that thrives in average to medium well drained soil in full sun to part shade. Eastern columbine grows low to the ground and will naturalize to form colonies. It performs best in well-drained soil and moderate shade. This native has tall distinctive red and yellow blooms that droop down. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more blooms in springtime. This perennial grows naturally in rocky woods and slopes along eastern North America.

Landscape uses: Aquilegia canadensis is a striking low growing native. This species can reach heights up to two feet tall and has very attractive foliage through the summer. Making this species an excellent choice for a native groundcover along a pathway or border of a native wildflower garden, for instance. Secondly, eastern columbine has very unique bell like blooms that are bright red on the outside with a delicate yellow center. These drooping bright blooms are wonderful at attracting many different native pollinators especially hummingbirds. Add this species to your native pollinator garden. Even when the blooms are spent after spring the foliage stays very attractive all summer. It grows best in partial shade but can take full sun as well. Add this very versatile native perennial to any garden for a low maintenance pop of color.