Eastern Red Columbine

A desirable wildflower is about to bloom, timed to coincide with the arrival of hummingbirds. With its dainty bells of orange, red, and yellow, small balanced spurs hold the nectar, the enticement for the high energy of a hummingbird. One of many species of columbine, this one is Aquilegia canadensis, midsized when compared to the other species of which there are over sixty. My shade garden used to be overrun with the wild columbine until I began deadheading or removing the seed pods. For many years afterwards, some returned, replenished by previous seed deposits. In time they dwindled to nothing, my efforts to alter the balance backfired. Sometimes when things seem too easy, the gardener may doubt the value of what they have.

For the gardener, naturalist, and hummingbird enthusiast, our native columbine is undoubtedly worth growing and when left to seed it can occupy a lot of real estate. I would not call that a flaw since it's not a hinderance for other perennial companions. If Aquilegia canadensis has a flaw it would be the leaf damage from leaf minor, which probably all columbine suffer from (but it doesn't slow them down). Since they prefer open shade; open to the east or west, or sunlight from an opening above, leafy companions make good neighbors by hiding the damaged leaves. Some examples might be hardy begonia or hosta. Hayscented fern, Gillenia (Bowman's root), and actea (black cohosh) if you prefer native and deer resistant plantings. 

All but one species of columbine have spurs. Hummingbirds, hawkmoths, and bumblebees are the primary pollinators. The bullseye for diversity of species is found in our south west, extending into Mexico. Receptive to each others pollen, where different species cohabitate, there can be great variability in populations. Naturally this has led to their popularity with hybridizers and resulted in seed strains of multiple colors.

Possibly the most striking of all columbines is Aquilegia longissima or longspur columbine, a native of Texas, Arizona, and northern Mexico. So long are the spurs that only a hawkmoth's proboscis or the hummingbird's tongue can reach the nectar. The act of extracting the sugar puts pollen on their head or chest thereby fertilizing the flowers. 

European columbines are differently structured, lacking hummingbirds, spurs can be tightly curled, almost invisible. These have also played into the game of hybridization which is evident when looking at short spurred selections. 

All are perennial although fleeting in the scheme of things. Expect two or three years before they extinguish. Leave seed heads to ripen to ensure future generations. If you grow multiple varieties, be ready for some surprises.  

Comments

[Scott]

You're welcome! (My Latin is improving... ;-)

[KAREN REXRODE]

no, thank-you Scott Canadensis.