Eastern Red Columbine, Aquilegia canadensis, is a familiar sight everywhere in its wide native range – covering most of the areas east of the Rockies.

Eastern Red Columbine easily self-seeds, spreading out over time in its preferred growing conditions. Eastern Red Columbine likes moisture, but requires well-drained soil. Rich garden soil will result in weak stems and a shorter lifespan. Thin, sandy soils will help this plant maintain a compact habit and live for many years. It is evergreen, unless the temperature reaches over 110 degrees F or below -10 degrees F, which will cause the leaves to go dormant. Not recommended for full sun, which will stunt growth and may burn leaves. Eastern Red Columbine is the host plant for the Columbine Duskywing butterfly. The flowers sport a distinct spurred flower shape, said by some to resemble an eagle’s talons. Its latin name actually comes form the latin “aquila” which means eagle.