Eastern Columbine

Planting columbine helps feed pollinators in the early spring, as it's one of the first flowers to bloom. Bell-shaped flowers hang airily over delicate foliage, and their red color attracts hummingbirds. Columbine is a very adaptable plant that thrives in shade or sun and does well in most sites as long as it's not too wet. Its shiny black seeds bounce over the ground, slowly spreading new populations throughout the garden. Foliage can look tired in summer some years and can be cut back for a tidier look.

• Eastern Columbine is relatively short-lived; consider allowing some seedlings to establish to maintain your yard's population
• If your columbine's foliage looks tired after flowering, you can cut it back without harming the plant. Be sure to wait until seeds have scattered to allow self-seeding for this short-lived species. In some years, foliage may die back completely on its own.