American columbo is a unique plant that spends most of its life as a large clump of basal foliage. It matures in 5 to 15 years at which time a tall spike of purple-speckled, green flowers appear. After blooming, the last bits of energy are used to make as much seed as possible, then the plant dies. Luckily, it can germinate fairly easily from seed and often forms large colonies.

Uses: Bees, medicinal
Bloom time:  May - June

Height:  10 to 12 inches (foliage); 5 to 8 feet (flowering stem)
Space:  10 to 12 inches

Sun:  Medium shade
Moisture:  Average

Seed: Sow seed as soon as possible after it ripens in September, otherwise it may take an extra year to germinate.

• ~200 seeds per packet
• 3,500 seeds per ounce
• 1 ounce per 120 square feet