Description

Wild Columbine is a native spring wildflower which occurs in woods, slopes, ledges and open arease. Plants feature drooping, bell-like, 1-2″, red and yellow flowers (red sepals, yellow-limbed petals, 5 distinctive red spurs and a mass of bushy yellow stamens). Delicate, biternate foliage is somewhat suggestive of meadow rue (Thalictrum) and remains attractive throughout the summer as long as soils are kept moist. Flowers are quite attractive to hummingbirds. It is one of the first plants to provide nectar in the spring for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Besides being an early bloomer, Wild Columbine will tolerate a large range of soil and sun types, and can be planted in full sun as well as shade. It can grow in pine tree areas and is deer-resistant.

Wild Columbine is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It has a wide range of soil tolerance as long as drainage is good, and prefers rich, moist soils in light to moderate shade. Plants freely self-seed and will naturalize to form large colonies in optimum growing conditions. Remove flowering stems after bloom to encourage additional bloom. Keep soils uniformly moist after bloom to prolong attractive foliage appearance. When foliage depreciates, plants may be cut to the ground.