Aquilegia canadensis

Common Name
Wild columbine
Eastern red columbine
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
3.0
Growth Rate
Medium
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain

Photographer: sfost5
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

Habitat: Dry forests, woodlands, barrens, and rock outcrops throughout; shell-marl slopes, bluffs, and shell middens in the coastal Plain. Although most numerous on subcalcareous, calcareous, and mafic substrates, in the higher mountains it is more tolerant of acidic soils and varied habitats, including mesic to dry-mesic forests, meadows, and roadsides. Common in the mountains, frequent in the piedmont, infrequent in the coastal Plain.

Wildlife Value: Provides nectar to bumblebees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. The seeds may be eaten by songbirds. 

Flower Color
Red/burgandy
Gold/Yellow
Pink
Flower Prominence
Prominent
Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Bloom Month
March
April
May
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Moist
Dry
Soil Texture
Clay
Loamy
Sandy
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds
Earth Sangha Inventory

Founded in 1997, the Earth Sangha is a nonprofit public charity based in the Washington, DC, region. The Wild Plant Nursery is the most comprehensive source of local-ecotype, native plants in the Washington DC region, and the region’s only facility dedicated exclusively to this type of propagation. “Local-ecotype” plants are propagated from local, wild, naturally-occurring populations and are well-adapted to local conditions and for wildlife species that depend on the local forms, such as pollinators. Inventory is updated on a weekly basis so number may not be accurate.

Pots Available Plugs Available Location Notes
0 0 Row 14

Coming Spring 2025

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Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

In Stock? Notes
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Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Pots Available Pot Size Notes Add to Wishlist
84 Quart

900 available late-April 2025

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2 1 Gallon

900 available late-April 2025

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