Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
Eastern red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Rocky woods and slopes of eastern North America. It grows 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Eastern red columbine at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 30–80 cm (12–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Rocky woods and slopes of eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Eastern red columbine toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seeds, roots
Columbines contain cyanogenic compounds; the seeds and roots can upset the stomach.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Eastern red columbine
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Eastern red columbine
- How far apart should I plant Eastern red columbine?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Eastern red columbine need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Eastern red columbine need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Eastern red columbine?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Eastern red columbine flower?
- From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Eastern red columbine poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Columbines contain cyanogenic compounds; the seeds and roots can upset the stomach.
- What grows well with Eastern red columbine?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Eastern red columbine. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Illinois Wildflowers (descriptions and insect-visitor records), John Hilty, illinoiswildflowers.info
Notes and assumptions
- Nodding red-and-yellow flowers with long nectar spurs pointing upward, in spring, timed for the return of ruby-throated hummingbirds. Short-lived but self-seeds into cracks and rocky ground; tolerates dry shade.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Hellebore (Lenten rose) Helleborus x hybridus
- Delphinium Delphinium elatum hybrids
- Common columbine Aquilegia vulgaris
- Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
- Larkspur Consolida ajacis
- Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
- Globeflower Trollius europaeus
- Christmas rose Helleborus niger