Eastern Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

Origin: Eastern North America

Improvement status: Wild

Seeds per packet: ~220

Germination tested 1/2021: 47% (additionally: 0% hard seed, 38% dormant seed)

Life cycle: Perennial

This has been one of Nate's favorite plants since he was a small child. It's a shade-loving perennial with beautiful red and yellow edible flowers (sweet and tasty, especially when they're loaded with nectar). Plants grow to about 2 feet all and 18 inches wide. Enjoys medium to dry soil. Tolerates full sun, but thrives in partial to full shade. Flowers between April and June, depending on location.

The traditional medicinal uses of this plant are many: Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, and salve. The root is astringent and diuretic. It is chewed or made into a weak tea for the treatment of diarrhea and stomach aches. The tea is used in the treatment of uterine bleeding. The boiled plant was used as a hair wash. The seed is anodyne and febrifuge. An infusion is used in the treatment of headaches and fevers.

This seed was produced by our friends at Ernst Conservation Seeds in Meadville, PA.

GROWING TIPS: Cold moist stratify seeds for 60 days before attempting germination, or else seed outdoors in the fall.