Jenniferatemple's Garden
Columbine
Genus: Aquilegia.
Species: Aquilegia canadensis.
TOXIC
Columbine is a hardy perennial, which propagates by seed. It will grow to a height of 15 to 20 inches. It will grow in full sun; however, it prefers growing in partial shade and well drained soil, and is able to tolerate average soils and dry soil conditions. Columbine is rated at hardiness zone 3 in the USA so does not require mulching or protection in the winter.
Columbines are closely related to plants in the genera Actaea (baneberries) and Aconitum (wolfsbanes/monkshoods), which like Aquilegia produce cardiogenic toxins.
They are used as food plants by some butterflys and moths & caterpillars. Bees also seem to like them.
