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Eastern Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis

I love both the leaves and the flowers of this lovely red plant. It does well in the garden, and in containers too – in fact it’s seeded itself in a number of my container plants.

As you might imagine, hummingbirds love this nectar-rich flower.

Alternate Names: Wild Columbine
Size: stems 1-3' tall.
Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family) 
Habitat: Moist to dry forests, woodlands, rocky high-calcium areas. 
Identification: Slender, leafy, multi-branched stems. Stems and basal leaves are divided into 3 leaflets, each mostly 3-lobed with rounded tips. Distinctive nodding flowers are red on the outside and yellow within, with a deep nectar spur at the base of each petal. Numerous exserted yellow stamens. Fruit is a cluster of 5 slender, curved pods. Flowers March-May


All text and photos copyright © 2022 Middle Way Nature Reserve, unless noted.
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