Columbine, << KOL uhm byn, >> is the name of a group of flowering plants that occur naturally in Asia, Europe, and North America. These plants grow each year from underground rootstocks and flower from April to July. Bees and hummingbirds are attracted to columbines because the flower petals hold large amounts of nectar. Gardeners plant many kinds of columbines in rock gardens and flower beds.
The wild columbine bears red-and- yellow nodding flowers on the upper part of rigid, slender stems. Each flower has five long-spurred petals and many stamens (pollen-producing parts). The Colorado blue columbine, also called white and lavender columbine, is the state flower of Colorado. Its large blue-and-white flowers have petals up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) long. The long spurs on the petals curve outward and are slightly swollen at the tip. The short-spurred columbine bears blue or purple flowers. Its short spurs bend inward and end in a hook.
