Aquilegia einseleana, commonly known as Alpine Columbine, is a perennial herb that is native to the mountainous regions of Central Europe, particularly the Alps, where it thrives in alpine meadows and rocky areas, often on calcareous (limestone) soils. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1.5-2.5 feet (0.46-0.8 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Alpine Columbine has distinctive foliage with blue-green, lobed leaves and is known for its nodding, bell-shaped flowers, which are usually red or yellow and very showy, blooming profusely in the spring and early summer.

The plant is valued for its attractive and delicate flowers, which make it a popular choice for rock gardens, woodland gardens, and borders. It is also used in wildflower meadows where its naturalistic appearance is desired. Alpine Columbine requires well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from loam to clay, as long as they are not waterlogged. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, making it relatively easy to maintain. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to leaf miners and powdery mildew. It is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so care should be taken if planting in areas accessible to pets and children.CC BY-SA 4.0