COLUMBINE

Aquilegia canadensis

Plant Family............ Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Leaf Arrangement... Compound
Bloom date............. March
Plant Height.... 18 inches
Habitat............ Sun or Part Shade
Flower Color... Red
Img 1. Columbine


Img 2. Columbine
COLUMBINE


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DESCRIPTION

Wild columbine is a perennial plant that grows from an underground stem to about 2 feet in height. The plant prefers sun or partial shade. New plants must start from seed. Growth begins in early spring and flowering occurs in April. The leaves are compound. The unusual inverted flowers have red sepals, yellow petals which end in red spurs, and long protruding stamens. The flowers appear to be double. Seed is released in early fall. Flower stalks can be removed after flowering to prevent unwanted volunteer plants the following year. The flower is an important nectar source for hummingbirds.




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