The genus Aquilegia encompasses 60 to 70 species of perennials native to meadows, woodlands, and alpine zones across the Northern hemisphere, and the common Columbine carries that breadth in its adaptability. Growing 1 to 3 feet tall from thick rhizomatous roots, with compound, deeply lobed basal leaves and similar stem leaves, it fills the spring border with flowers in a wide range of colors before most summer perennials have found their footing. The genus name comes from the Latin for eagle, a reference to the distinctive spurred petals that also give the plant its common name — from the Latin columba, for dove, the spurs suggesting a ring of gathered birds.

Columbines are short-lived perennials, typically lasting two to three years, but they compensate by seeding freely, and a group planted in a border or naturalized setting tends to persist indefinitely by renewing itself. They prefer moist, well-drained soil in part shade, though they tolerate full sun if kept adequately watered. Many modern hybrids blend North American and European species, producing extraordinary color range and doubled flower forms, but the species themselves have a clarity and grace that hybrid selections sometimes trade away. Deer leave them largely alone. Hardy in zones 3 to 8.