Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern Red Columbine)

Eastern Red Columbine is a spring-blooming perennial native to woodlands, slopes, and rocky outcrops throughout Virginia and much of the eastern United States. This adaptable species thrives in part sun to light shade and well-drained soils, especially in woodland edges and open understories. It can even grow in very thin, rocky soils, which it prefers. It forms loose clumps and lightly self-sows, naturalizing gently in suitable habitats. 

Eastern Red Columbine sports delicate blue-green fern-like foliage, and nodding red and yellow flowers, each with long backward-pointing spurs that store nectar. Blooming from early to late spring, the flowers provide an essential nectar source for emerging pollinators, especially hummingbirds and newly emerging bees. The plant is not a true ephemeral (spring-growing only), but may go dormant early in the heat of summer to emerge again in the late winter or spring.

In naturalized plantings, columbine pairs well with other woodland natives, such as Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum), White wood aster (Eurybia divaricata), and ferns such as Christmas fern or the Marginal wood fern. Its upright, airy form weaves among other perennials without crowding, adding height and movement to woodland borders and shaded meadows. 

The species is often considered a short-lived perennial, often flowering for 2-3 seasons. It is recommended to spread the small black grain-sized seed on open ground in your landscape for a persistent presence. Very easy to grow from seed, which can typically be sown any time of year.