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Our native Red Columbine is also known as Canadian Columbine, Honeysuckle, Meetinghouses, Rock-bells, and Columbine. This perennial is a member of the Ranunculaceae or Buttercup family.
The bell-like tubes of the red flower attracts hummingbirds which have tongues long enough to reach its nectar. These flowers are 2-5 cm long, with 5 spurred petals that contain nectar, alternating with 5 flat sepals. It has numerous yellow stamens hanging below its petals. Its leaves are light green and 3-lobed. This plant grows to heights up to 70 cm.
From May to June, you will find the Red Columbine in shaded edges of woodlands, fields, or clearings of the Algonquin Highlands. It prefers sandy soils. It propagates by self-sown seed.
Native Americans used different parts of the plant for a variety of purposes; from medicines to love potions!
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