Wild columbine is a no foolin’ around harbinger of spring. You can bring the feel of natural West Virginia woodlands to your landscape with this herbaceous perennial. You’ll be delighted as the lantern-like blossoms dance on a light breeze, enticing all manner of wildlife to pause for a sip of sweet nectar throughout the months of spring.

This native plant thrives in Shepherdstown and is used to create an inviting habitat for bees and butterflies. Ruby-throated hummingbirds also value the nectar found in the flower’s long backward-pointing tubes (spurs) that have knob-like bulges at the tip. Finches and buntings dine on the decorative seed heads that form after flowering. Bumblebees and various species of hawk moths are major pollinators of columbine.

While wildlife enjoys the food source, you’ll prize the attractiveness of the bell-shaped flowers. Numerous bright yellow stamens hang below nodding red sepals and contrasting yellow petals.

The petals are upward spurred, resembling the talons of an eagle about to pounce on prey, thus giving rise to the genus name Aquilegia. The blooms last a good two weeks before going to seed.

Don’t discount the foliage of Eastern red columbine, as the compound leaves are semi-evergreen and showcase soft blue-green color. A. canadensis can grow to 2 feet in height, making for a stunning addition to your shade-loving garden, especially when paired with bleeding heart, and commingled with ferns.

As with all plants, research the optimal habitat for a plant before placement.

This wildflower likes moisture, but must be placed in well-drained soil. Too much moisture can result in crown rot. Don’t sit it in full sun, or its three-lobed leaves will likely burn and growth will be stunted.

Columbine has a taproot, so take care not to injure this central root system when transplanting or dividing. As frost ends, sow seeds on the soil’s surface and lightly tamp into the dirt. Columbine will flower the second year after germination, so just enjoy the foliage the first season. Once established, columbine self-seeds. Remove old seed heads and spent stems to keep a tidy look to the clumping foliage and encourage additional blooming.

Be mindful that the adult harlequin stink bug (red and black spotted top shield) enjoys the plant sap from columbine, as well as sun-loving snapdragons and sunflowers, and will spoil a plant’s appearance.

Columbine is, however, deer resistant.

There are numerous cultivars available in the marketplace. The McKana Group tall hybrid performs well in full sun, comes in a wide variety of bloom colors and provides striking cut flowers.

It has been a pleasure writing Garden Inspirations over the past few years. This 50th column marks the last musing. Keep gardening and honor Earth Day on the April 22, by planting a columbine to celebrate!

Kristi Hendricks is a graduate of Shepherd College and West Virginia University and a Master Gardener with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at belowthejames@yahoo.com.