Aquilegia canadensis Also known as Eastern Red Columbine, Wild Red Columbine The lovely Texas native wildflower, Aquilegia canadensis, thrives in the rocky woods, slopes, ledges, and sunny spots scattered throughout the state. Its charming bell-shaped flowers bloom in vibrant red and yellow hues, measuring 1-2 inches, adorned with five unique red spurs and a delightful cluster of bushy yellow stamens. The delicate leaves, which remind us of meadow rue (Thalictrum), remain lovely all summer, especially when the soil is kept moist. Plus, these beautiful flowers are a favorite among hummingbirds. The name of this genus comes from the Latin word for eagle, inspired by the flower's five spurs that resemble an eagle's talon. It is a larval host plant to the Columbine Duskywing and Columbine Borer. Planting this wildflower is a breeze! It grows swiftly in full shade to part shade, flourishing in average, well-drained soil. It’s quite adaptable and can thrive in various soil types as long as they are well-drained. Aquilegia canadensis loves rich, moist soils in light to moderate shade and can self-seed generously, creating delightful colonies in the right conditions. After blooming, removing the flowering stems helps promote even more blooms. To keep those enchanting leaves looking great, making sure the soil stays evenly moist after the flowers fade is key. And when the foliage starts to fade, you can simply cut the plants back to the ground. BONAP MAPHeight: 2’-3’Spread 1’-1.5’Bloom: April-MayLight: Part Shade-Full ShadeWater: MediumZone: 3-8Origin: Texas, central and eastern North America
