Red Columbine

The Texas native wildflower Aquilegia canadensis grows in rocky woods, slopes, ledges, and open areas throughout the state. There are five distinctive red spurs and a mass of bushy yellow stamens on the bell-like, 1-2" red and yellow flowers. The delicate, biternate foliage is reminiscent of meadow rue (Thalictrum) and stays attractive throughout the summer as long as the soils are moist. The flowers attract hummingbirds quite well.

The genus name comes from the Latin word for eagle about the flower's five spurs, which are said to resemble an eagle's talon.

It can be grown quickly in full shade to part shade in average soil medium in texture, well-drained, and well-drained. The ground will tolerate various soil types as long as it is well-drained. Prefers rich, moist soils in light to moderate shade. Freely self-seeds and will naturalize to form large colonies in optimum growing conditions. Remove flowering stems after bloom to encourage additional bloom. Keep soils uniformly moist after bloom to prolong attractive foliage appearance. When foliage depreciates, plants may be cut to the ground.