Yes, hummingbirds are highly attracted to columbine species (Aquilegia). This strong preference is the result of a specialized co-evolutionary relationship between the bird and the flower. The unique structure of certain columbine varieties has evolved specifically to reward the hummingbird, ensuring efficient pollination.
Why Columbine Attracts Hummingbirds
The columbine flower perfectly suits a hummingbird’s unique feeding style and high energy demands. The flower’s most distinctive feature is its five elongated, tubular structures known as nectar spurs. These spurs hold a reservoir of sweet liquid that is mostly inaccessible to short-tongued insects.
This arrangement is a classic example of co-evolution, where the length and shape of the spur match the hummingbird’s bill and tongue. When the bird inserts its long, slender bill to reach the nectar, its head brushes against the flower’s pollen-bearing anthers. This action ensures the transfer of pollen to the next flower the hummingbird visits.
The nectar produced by hummingbird-pollinated columbines is highly concentrated, containing significant sugar. This rich, energetic reward is precisely what hummingbirds, with their extremely high metabolisms, require for flight. The flower’s color also plays a role, as many hummingbird-adapted species display warm hues like bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Hummingbirds see these colors particularly well, unlike bees which are attracted to ultraviolet patterns.
Choosing the Right Columbine Species
When selecting columbine for a hummingbird garden, choose species that have co-evolved with North American hummingbirds, as not all Aquilegia varieties are equally attractive. Native species are superior to many European imports or modern hybrids. For example, the Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) and the Western Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) are highly effective choices.
These native varieties typically feature flowers with a single layer of petals and sepals, and their medium-length nectar spurs are ideal for hummingbirds. Many European species, such as Aquilegia vulgaris, were adapted to pollination by long-tongued bees and often have drooping, shorter-spurred flowers less accessible to the birds. Similarly, complex, double-flowered hybrids often sold in garden centers have manipulated structures that can block nectar access altogether.
Flower orientation is another crucial factor, as native hummingbird-pollinated columbines often face outward or slightly upward. This positioning allows the hummingbird to hover directly in front of the bloom to feed. In contrast, many hybridized varieties droop heavily, which makes a clean approach and feeding difficult for the hovering bird. Sticking to vibrant red and yellow single-petaled native species provides the best chance for attracting hummingbirds.
Planting and Maintenance for Hummingbird Gardens
Incorporating columbine into a garden requires attention to location and grouping. Columbines generally prefer sites with partial shade, especially in hotter climates where intense afternoon sun can scorch the foliage. They thrive best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, and they can tolerate a slightly acidic to neutral pH range.
To maximize visibility for the birds, columbine should be planted in clusters rather than scattered individually. This mass planting creates a large, visible patch of color, signaling a reliable nectar source to hummingbirds. A dense grouping encourages the bird to spend more time feeding in one area, increasing pollination chances.
Columbine is a short-lived perennial, often lasting only three to five years, but it readily self-seeds, ensuring a continuous presence in the garden. Deadheading spent flowers encourages the plant to produce more blooms and may extend the flowering season. However, allowing some flowers to go to seed late in the season is necessary for natural regeneration. Avoid the use of systemic pesticides, as these chemicals can be absorbed into the plant’s nectar and pollen, potentially harming hummingbirds and other beneficial pollinators.