Wild Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
Last reviewed: July 2026
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a native wildflower blooming April through June across eastern and central North America. This shade-tolerant perennial attracts hummingbirds and bees with distinctive red and yellow flowers.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Wild columbine is a charming native perennial with distinctive red and yellow nodding flowers that bloom from April through June. This compact plant forms neat clumps of delicate, blue-green foliage that works well in partially shaded garden areas. The plant goes dormant in winter, leaving behind attractive seed pods if not cut back.
Growing Wild Columbine
Grow Wild Columbine in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Wild Columbine is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- May self-seed moderately in favorable conditions
Wildlife value
Host plant for columbine duskywing moth.
The tubular flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds with their red color and shape, while also providing nectar for native bees. Seeds are eaten by various songbirds and small mammals.
Common questions
- When does Wild Columbine bloom?
- Wild Columbine blooms from April through June, producing distinctive red and yellow nodding flowers.
- What pollinators visit Wild Columbine?
- Wild Columbine is primarily pollinated by hummingbirds and bees. The red and yellow tubular flowers are especially attractive to ruby-throated hummingbirds.
- Where is Wild Columbine native?
- Wild Columbine is native to much of eastern and central North America, from Maine to Florida and west to the Great Plains states including Texas, Kansas, and the Dakotas.
- What growing conditions does Wild Columbine prefer?
- Wild Columbine thrives in partial shade to full shade with medium moisture. It adapts well to woodland edges and rocky slopes with good drainage.
- Is Wild Columbine HOA-friendly?
- Wild Columbine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Wild Columbine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz