Aquilegia canadensis, Woodland Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis, Columbine

While there are many cultivars of Aquilegia that come in several colors at nurseries everywhere, ours is the Columbine native to nearly every county of Minnesota. It is a familiar sight, even to those who are new to native plants. It has a light, airy form with delicate leaves and pendulous, crown-like flowers that bloom for several weeks. Although it is known to self-seed, its delicacy and ability to work alongside a community of plants ensures that is never a burden. Remarkably tolerant of dry woodland soils, but gets much bigger with moisture and sunshine.

Blooms: red with yellow, late April into June

Height: 16 to 32 inches

Conditions: shade, pt shade, to pt sun, medium to medium-dry soils