Wild Columbine

Another wildflower that blooms in the Indiana Dunes in the merry month of May is the Wild Columbine. This flower hangs its blossom on a delicate stem. They can be found in a semi-sunny spot underneath trees.

The Columbine is widespread over North America and the world and is cultivated in other colors besides the wild red and yellow.

Even though they are poisonous, they were once used to make medicines for ailments as diverse as poison ivy, heart disease, diarrhea, and sore throats.

Columbines are hosts to at least one butterfly and one moth.

sources: http://www.monticello.org/http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info