Eastern columbine is perhaps our most recognizable native wildflower, being one of the first to flower in the spring, feeding insects and, of course, its famous partner, the Ruby-throated hummingbird, the only breeding hummingbird of Eastern North America. Perhaps a little less well known, it is also a larval host plant for the Columbine Duskywing butterfly. 

Eastern Columbine is one of the first pops of color in our region's forests each spring. Flowers are red and yellow, and smaller than those of cultivated varieties. It has a large native range and thrives in many woodland settings where there is partial shade and well-draining soil. Though the species is highly adaptable - it's not uncommon to see it growing out of a nearly vertical rock fissure, and we've watched it flower and set seed in the spring from fall plantings in our open, full-sun farm fields.

All to say, Eastern Columbine can find a place in nearly any garden border, woodland edge, or rock wall.