12–24" tall.
Delightful little stacks of round-lobed leaves emerge in early spring. Soon after, magical jewel-like nodding blossoms with red-spurred sepals and yellow petaled skirts dance above the foliage. The elegant slender spurs are filled with nectar irresistible to hummingbirds; it also feeds the endangered rusty patched bumble bee.
We planted ours at the base of a granite boulder, right alongside some highbush blueberries. The columbines start flowering at the same time as the blueberry bushes, and the rock helps retain even moisture in the soil. Excellent under fruit trees.
Columbines bloom from late May to early June with sparse blossoms persisting through July. Prefers light moist well-drained soil. Nice planted in clusters, 12–18" apart. Dappled shade guarantees the best color. Will self-sow—you can never have too many. Native to eastern North America. Zone 3.
Maine Grown.