Columbine

Description:

The leaves of the columbine give it away as a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae): Leaves are narrow at the base, flaring outward towards flat, scalloped edges. Many species have a characteristic blue-green leaf color. The unique inverted flowers appear in early to mid-spring; the long tubes of the sepals extend upward beyond the base of the flower. Plants form loose clumps, growing to from 12 to 30 inches tall. Columbine reseeds freely, but individual plants are relatively short-lived, usually lasting only three or four years.

Habitat:

Wildlife habitat yard on Belton Lake.

Notes:

Columbines arrived in North America between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago, according to the U.S. Forest Service. They migrated from Asia, across the Bering land bridge into Alaska. Native Americans used the seeds to make an infusion to treat headaches. Native Americans used this plant for medicinal purposes, including relieving heart problems and fevers.