They have particularly associated with country or semi-natural gardens because in general they are woodland edge species, filling that transition from formal cultivation to wild nature. Red columbine one of several British Columbia native species is in ideal subject for this and other garden purposes where wild but attractive native elements are desired. Furthermore red columbine is a favourite food for hummingbirds thus attracting wildlife to your garden. Red columbines are classified within the the Buttercup Family along with two other native species. The long leaves are twice divided with the three terminal leaflets further divided into rounded lobes.
Flowers are of the typical interesting columbine type.
The five sepals are petal-like and form the star pattern. THe petals are modified into spurs or elongate pouches which sweep backward form the sepals. THe mouth of each petal is yellow. Sereral stigmas sit atop several styles which prode through the mass of stamens. The structure of the flowers is particularly interesting for it has evolved to facilitate pollination by hummingbirds.