Eastern Red Columbine: Aguilegia canadensis Aguilegia canadensis is a beautiful plant native to North America, east of the Rocky Mountains. The genus name Aguilegia comes from the latin word Aquila meaning eagle and refers to the spurred flower petals that resemble an eagle's talons. Plants grow 2-3' tall and 1-5' wide and will grow in full sun to shade and in a wide range of soil conditions. Red and yellow bell-like, 1-2' flowers are displayed atop delicate blue-green foliage from April to May. Ideal conditions for columbine are rich, moist soil with good drainage and light shade. Flowers attract birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. Under optimum growing conditions, the eastern red columbine will self seed and naturalized. Seeds require 3-4 weeks of chilling at 40 F or below to germinate. When temperatures drop to meet the chilling requirement in the fall, direct sow seeds into the garden. Scatter seeds on the soil surface and lightly press into the soil. Do not cover. Seeds may also be chilled in the refrigerator and sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Plants flower the second year after germination. USDA Zones 3-8. Heirloom seeds are collected, cleaned and packaged by hand at Mount Vernon.
