Aquilegia canadensis 'Little Lanterns' - Wild Columbine
DESCRIPTION
Little Lanterns Dwarf ColumbineAquilegia canadensis 'Little Lanterns'
'Little Lanterns' is a compact columbine that only grows 10” tall. Deep red and yellow nodding flowers top blue-green foliage for many weeks in spring. This is a good choice for shade gardens, woodland gardens, rock gardens and naturalized areas.
BENEFITS
- Attracts butterflies, bumblebees, and hummingbirds
- Early wildflower with 8 + weeks of bloom!
- Thrives in sun or shade; self sows and naturalizes
- Deer resistant
- Resists leaf miners
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Ledges, woods, and cliffs; Quebec to Manitoba south to Oklahoma and Georgia.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
INTERESTING FACTS
Pollinated by hummingbirds that depend on Wild Columbine as an important source of early-season nectar. An old-fashioned garden plant, columbine has been cultivated in Europe and America since the mid-1600s. Native Americans used infusions from different parts of the plant for a variety of ailments including a wash for poison-ivy. When pulverized, the seeds were rubbed on the hands by Native American men as a love charm.
GROWING TIPS
Grows easily in full sun to part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils except for heavy, poorly drained ones. Will grow in rocky, dry soil in shaded areas and on slopes. Keep soils uniformly moist after bloom to prevent the foliage from dying back. If foliage deteriorates, cut plants to the ground. Fresh new foliage will emerge and look good all season. Collect dried seed pods and sow them where you want more plants or simply let the plants self-sow.