Aquilegia canadensis — Eastern Red Columbine | Native Tennessee Perennial, Live Plant

Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a graceful native woodland perennial grown from wild-type Middle Tennessee stock — one of the true early-spring standouts in a native garden. Its nodding, bell-shaped red-and-yellow flowers, with distinctive backward-pointing nectar spurs, bloom for about a month in mid-to-late spring above delicate, fern-like foliage.

This species carries real ecological weight in early spring: it's a critical nectar source for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds returning north from migration, arriving hungry right as columbine comes into bloom. It's also the larval host plant for the Columbine Duskywing butterfly, and its seeds feed finches and buntings later in the season. Bumblebees and hawk moths visit for nectar as well, making this a small plant with an outsized wildlife role.

Eastern Red Columbine is unfussy and self-seeds readily, forming loose colonies over time in woodland edges, rock gardens, and shaded borders. It's also notably deer- and rabbit-resistant.

Growing conditions:

• Light: Partial shade to filtered sun; tolerates more sun with adequate moisture
• Water: Consistent moisture, especially in the first growing season; well-drained soil
• Soil: Organically rich, moist woodland soil preferred
• Height: 1–3 feet

Size: Shipped in a 4" container, established root system ready to transplant.

Shipping: Orders ship out UPS every Monday.