Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) | Prairie Restorations

Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

Aquilegia canadensis, commonly known as Columbine, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows 1 to 3 feet tall. It features distinctive red and yellow, nodding flowers with backward-pointing spurs, blooming from May to July. The foliage is light green and delicately lobed. Columbine thrives in woodlands and rocky slopes or cliffs, preferring well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It is known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens. In landscaping, Columbine is valued for its unique floral structure and adaptability to various garden settings.

Characteristics

Product Form	Plant, Seed
Type	Forb
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Soil	Loam, Sand/Gravel, Calcareous
Moisture	Dry, Mesic
Average Max Height (inches)	30
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	15
Bloom month(s)	May, June, July
Bloom Color or Type	Red
Dominance	Low

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.