Quick answer: Eastern red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is native to 36 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Ragesoss, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade (avoid continuous full sun) |
|---|---|
| Water | Low-Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Sandy, well-drained soils, medium loam/sandy loam/limestone-based, not too rich |
| Bloom | Feb-Jul |
| Height | Up to 3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, hawk moths, larval host for Columbine Duskywing |
none noted (readily hybridizes with other Aquilegia species incl. non-native A. vulgaris — isolate for pure strains, not an invasiveness concern for A. canadensis itself)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Eastern red columbine
Where is Eastern red columbine native?
Eastern red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is native to 36 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Eastern red columbine bloom?
Eastern red columbine blooms Feb-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Eastern red columbine need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade (avoid continuous full sun). Water: Low-Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Sandy, well-drained soils, medium loam/sandy loam/limestone-based, not too rich. Mature height: Up to 3 ft.
Is Eastern red columbine good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, hawk moths, larval host for Columbine Duskywing.
Is Eastern red columbine deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Eastern red columbine is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Eastern red columbine seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Aquilegia canadensis on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Eastern red columbine.
- Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Butterflyweed Asclepias tuberosa
- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- Cutleaf coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata
Also listed under
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