4 Kinds of RED Wildflowers in Quebec (w/Pics)
Did you find a RED wildflower in Quebec?
If so, I’m sure you’re wondering what type of wildflower you found! Luckily, you can use this guide to help you identify it. 🙂
Please be aware that I’m ONLY listing the most common red wildflowers today. There are so many species, varieties, and subspecies that it would be impossible to name them all. But if you want to dive even deeper into ALL the red wildflowers in Quebec, check out this field guide!
Today, we will look at 4 RED wildflowers you can find in Quebec.
#1. Columbine
- Aquilegia canadensis
Also known as: Red Columbine, Wild Columbine, Canadian Columbine, Jack-In-Trousers, Meeting Houses
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3b-8
- Life Cycle: Perennial or Biennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 6-48 in (15-122 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
You might be more familiar with Columbine varieties from Europe that are purple and blue. However, Red Columbine is a native red wildflower in Quebec! You’re probably looking at Columbine if you spot drooping, bell-like red wildflowers near woodlands.
Columbine grows particularly well in gardens or even as a potted plant. Aside from painting your garden with a myriad of colors, the Columbine can attract hummingbirds, bumblebees, and butterflies, which help to pollinate these beauties. Finches and Buntings are also known to eat the seeds!
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#2. Red Trillium
- Trillium erectum
Also known as: Red Trillium, Stinking Benjamin, Wet Dog Trillium, Purple Trillium
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4b-7a
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 8-16 in (20-41 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Sun Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Shade
This red wildflower is often one of the first to emerge in Quebec after winter.
Its three-petaled flowers bloom briefly and quickly die back. You’re most likely to find Red Trillium in shaded woody areas like forest edges.
Red Trillium comes in various red, maroon, purple, yellow, and white shades. It has a distinct and unpleasant odor, like a wet dog, which is where some of its nicknames come from. Although it’s off-putting to humans, this odor is a useful adaptation! It attracts the Carrion Fly and various beetles, which pollinate the plant.
#3. Cardinal Flower
- Lobelia cardinalis
Also known as: Red Bay, Scarlet Lobelia, Indian Pink, Water Gladiole, Slinkweed, Bog Sage, Hog’s Physic
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9a
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 3.6-72 in (9-183 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Mid Summer to Early Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
The blooms on this red wildflower in Quebec cluster on the end of a long stalk. The Cardinal Flower has dark green leaves with purple undersides.
If you’re especially fond of hummingbirds, you can use the Cardinal Flower to attract them to your neighborhood. While other insects might find it hard to reach the sweet nectar inside, the tubular flowers are perfect for the long beaks of hummingbirds.
Cardinal Flowers grow well in a garden setting. Plant it in an area with partial sun for a beautiful pop of red that will attract hummingbirds!
#4. Scarlet Bee Balm
- Monarda didyma
Also known as: Red Bergamot, Scarlet Monarda, Horsemint, Indian Plume
Growing Information
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9a
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Approximate Mature Size: 24-72 in (61-183 cm) tall
- Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
A native red wildflower in Quebec, Scarlet Bee Balm attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Scarlet Bee Balm grows up to 4′ (1.2 m) tall and produces bright red tubular blooms that are a fantastic nectar source. Deadheading flowers will encourage a second round of blooms.
Although it’s most commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant, you may spot Scarlet Bee Balm on the edge of forests in full sun.
What are your FAVORITE red wildflowers in Quebec?
Let us know in the COMMENTS below!
