Columbine, also known as ‘Colorado Columbine’ belongs to the family of ‘Ranunculaceae’. It derives its name from the Latin word ‘Columba’ meaning ‘dove’, as the flower resembles the same. This perennial herb is noted for its beautiful flowers which bloom in spring. The flowers are shaped like bells, while each petal of the flower is uniquely modified into a long nectar spur. They contain a strong fragrance and can be of colours which include white, pale blue, pale yellow and a few pinkish shades. Columbine flowers are mostly bicoloured, where the sepals and the petals are of different shades, which make the flower all the more ornamental. The flowers are transformed into fruits with black seeds.

This genus of Columbia has around 60-70 species which are widely found in the grasslands and woods and even on the high altitude of the Northern Hemisphere.

The dainty flowers of Columbia are regarded as popular garden flowers and are used for landscaping purposes. Some Lepidoptera species including Cabbage Moth, Dot Moth, The Engrailed and Mouse Moth thrive on the columbine plant. The bicoloured white and lavender columbine has been declared the state flower of Colorado.