Wild Columbine © 2010 Bo Mackison
A wild columbine seen on a hike through the Owen Conservation Park’s wooded area. Not quite open, its petals have not yet separated and flipped outward. The columbine is quite unlike any other flower even though it is related to the buttercups, anemones, and marsh marigold. It blooms in southern Wisconsin from May through July. My favorite woodland wildflower.
Red Columbine ©2008 Bo Mackison
I have collected seed from these columbine plants and grown them every year since I have had a home of my own. The original plants were cultivated by my grandfather in Illinois. I gathered seeds from his plants beginning in 1979 and have grown them in several gardens in Milwaukee and Madison.
Wild Columbine © 2008 Bo Mackison
They bloom from late May through early July and are a favorite with long-tongued bees and the hummingbirds.
Columbine © 2008 Bo Mackison
Even the bumblebees get in the act to get the nectar, though they cheat. Since they can’t reach the nectar because of the columbine’s long slender tubes, they bite holes in the ends of the spurs to get some of the sweet stuff. More than one way to beat Mother Nature . . .
